PBS Space Time Season 2018 Episode 36 What Are the Strings in String Theory?

PBS Space Time is a show that explores the wonders of the universe and beyond, diving deep into the mysteries of space and time. In the 36th episode of the 2018 season, titled "What Are the Strings in String Theory?," host Matt O'Dowd delves into the mind-bending concept of string theory and attempts to explain what strings are and how they work.

String theory is a theoretical framework that attempts to solve some of the biggest problems in modern physics by unifying Einstein's theory of relativity with quantum mechanics. According to string theory, the universe is made up of incredibly small, one-dimensional strings of energy that vibrate at different frequencies. The different frequencies of the strings give rise to the different particles and forces that make up our universe.

In this episode of PBS Space Time, Matt begins by explaining some of the problems that string theory seeks to solve, such as the fact that Einstein's theory of relativity doesn't work at incredibly small scales. He then takes us on a journey through the history of string theory, from its earliest beginnings to its current state of development.

One of the key aspects of string theory is the concept of extra dimensions. According to string theory, there are more than the four dimensions (three spatial dimensions and one time dimension) that we are familiar with. In fact, there could be as many as 11 dimensions! Matt does his best to explain this mind-bending concept using simple visuals and analogies.

As the episode progresses, Matt dives deeper into the physics of string theory and tries to answer the question: what are the strings themselves? He explains that these strings are incredibly tiny, with a width of just 10^-35 meters. They are so small that they are impossible to observe directly with current technology, which is why string theory is considered a purely theoretical framework.

Despite its theoretical nature, string theory has an enormous impact on modern physics and has led to some fascinating discoveries. Matt discusses some of these discoveries, such as the existence of black holes and the idea that our universe could be just one of many in a multiverse.

Throughout the episode, Matt does an excellent job of breaking down some of the most complex concepts in modern physics and making them accessible to everyone. He uses simple language and visuals to help viewers understand these mind-bending ideas, and the result is a fascinating and engaging journey through the world of string theory.

Overall, "What Are the Strings in String Theory?" is an excellent episode of PBS Space Time that explores one of the most fascinating and controversial ideas in modern physics. By the end of the episode, viewers will have a much better understanding of what strings are, why they matter, and how they could change our understanding of the universe.