[yhzhang]

Match the following statements to the corresponding theory. Please Help, thanks in advance!!
A. String Theory
B. Standard Model
C. Both
D. Neither

1. Attempts to be a theory of everything by describing all of nature with one equation.
2. Is able to describe why gravity is so much weaker than the other forces.
3. Is more a collection of facts than a comprehensive unified theory.
4. States that the fundamental building blocks of matter are vibrating strings.
5. The theory that everyone agrees is the best current theory of everything.
6. Is believed to have the possibility to explain the origin of all the forces of nature.

[TUT317]

String Theory versus the Standard Model is always an interesting comparison. The rules tell me that I am not allowed to give you the answers, but we can discuss possible ways of coming up with answers.

A clue could be that the Standard Model is largely based on observations. In other words, the theories put forward by the Standard Model attempt to explain observations. String Theory on the other hand, is far less dependent on observations.

Tut

[yhzhang]

I tried many times, but I can't get the answers. My possible answer as follow:
1. Both
2. Neither
3. String Theory
4. String Theory
5. Standard Model
6. String Theory

Could you please tell me what I did was wrong, I appreciate it.

String Theory versus the Standard Model is always an interesting comparison. The rules tell me that I am not allowed to give you the answers, but we can discuss possible ways of coming up with answers.

A clue could be that the Standard Model is largely based on observations. In other words, the theories put forward by the Standard Model attempt to explain observations. String Theory on the other hand, is far less dependent on observations.

Tut

[TUT317]

I'm not a string theorist, so I don't really know where you went wrong. However, If you like I can give you my opinion in relation to questions

It also seems to me that both theories attempt to explain everything. The problem with the Standard Model is that it cannot account for gravity. In other words it doesn't explain why gravity is weaker than the other fundamental forces. Hence- String theory.

It all boils down to the theory we consider the better attempt at explaining everything. The Standard Model has been developed over a long period so it doesn't seem to be a 'one equation' theory. Having said that, string theory started as five different theories each with their own mathematical explanation. M- Theory is an attempt to bring all five theories together into one theory. As to whether there is one mathematical equation that explains M- Theory, I don't really know.

However, I would lean toward string theory for the first answer.

As far as Question 2 is concerned I did mentioned that string theory does try and explain why gravity is so weak compared to all of the other fundamental forces.


I think Question 3 largely depends on what one means by 'facts'. I would assume that facts here are related to scientific facts that can be demonstrated through experimentation and observation. String theory misses out because it is a theory of the very tiny; there is no way at the moment of measuring anything smaller than a Planck length. So strictly speaking there are no facts when it comes to strings.

I think I also mentioned earlier that the Stand Model came together bit by bit, so I tend to think the Standard Model is a collection of facts. String theory, on the other hand, seems to me to be a collection of mathematical truths.


As far as the last question is concerned I don't believe there is any scientific theory in theoretical physics whereby everyone agrees. I guess that is why it is called theoretical physics.

As I said I am no expert in this area. This is just how I would answer the questions.

Tut

[yhzhang]

Thank you for your help!

I'm not a string theorist, so I don't really know where you went wrong. However, If you like I can give you my opinion in relation to questions

It also seems to me that both theories attempt to explain everything. The problem with the Standard Model is that it cannot account for gravity. In other words it doesn't explain why gravity is weaker than the other fundamental forces. Hence- String theory.

It all boils down to the theory we consider the better attempt at explaining everything. The Standard Model has been developed over a long period of time so it doesn't seem to be a 'one equation' theory. Having said that, string theory started out as five different theories each with their own mathematical explanation. M- Theory is an attempt to bring all five theories together into one theory. As to whether there is one mathematical equation that explains M- Theory, I don't really know.

However, I would lean toward string theory for the first answer.

As far as Question 2 is concerned I did mentioned that string theory does try and explain why gravity is so weak compared to all of the other fundamental forces.


I think Question 3 largely depends on what one means by 'facts'. I would assume that facts here are related to scientific facts that can be demonstrated through experimentation and observation. String theory misses out because it is a theory of the very tiny; there is no way at the moment of measuring anything smaller than a Planck length. So strictly speaking there are no facts when it comes to strings.

I think I also mentioned earlier that the Stand Model came together bit by bit, so I tend to think the Standard Model is a collection of facts. String theory, on the other hand, seems to me to be a collection of mathematical truths.


As far as the last question is concerned I don't believe there is any scientific theory in theoretical physics whereby everyone agrees. I guess that is why it is called theoretical physics.

As I said I am no expert in this area. This is just how I would answer the questions.

Tut