Superstrings

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Superstrings


Superstrings are extremely tiny, theoretically postulated, one-dimensional loops or segments that are conceived as being the most fundamental physical entities, superseding point particles in that role. All other particles and fields, both bosonic (integer spin, interaction carrying) and fermionic (half-integer spin, matter constituting), are then considered to be the result of the vibrations and interactions of these superstrings. Superstring theories hold the best hope for unifying quantum theory with Albert Einstein's General Relativity. They should at the same time effect the total unification of the four fundamental physical forces: electromagnetism, the weak and strong nuclear interactions, and gravity. These fundamental objects are called superstrings instead of just strings because they manifest supersymmetry, which means that both bosons and fermions are treated within the same mathematical framework, or symmetry group.


See also String Theory

william r. stoeger

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