Untangling string theory July 5, 2011

Part of the Cafe Scientifique programme at the Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition

Have you ever wondered just what string theory is? String theory is often talked about as the 'theory of everything', unifying quantum mechanics and Einstein's theory of general relativity. But the theory has proven difficult to test and even the Large Hadron Collider is unlikely allow scientists to see strings or prove the existence of up to 11 dimensions that are hypothesised. Yet, while developing string theory, several interesting spin-offs have occured and the mathematics developed may be useful in understanding other areas of physics, from plasmas to superconductors

Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock will lead the audience in posing questions to Dr David Tong, a theoretical physicists and string theory researcher, to try and untangle string theory.

This event is part of the Cafe Scientifique programme at the Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition. Cafes will take place in the Terrace Cafe. They are free and open for all to attend, just grab a drink and get talking! Audience participation is strongly encouraged.

The Terrace cafe is down 9 steps and is not wheelchair accessible.

Official Website: http://royalsociety.org/events/String-theory/