The Grand DesignAlong with Caltech physicist Mlodinow (The Drunkard's Walk), University of Cambridge cosmologist Hawking (A Brief History of Time) deftly mixes cutting-edge physics to answer three key questions -- Why is there something rather than nothing? Why do we exist? Why this particular set of laws and not some other? -- and explains that scientists are approaching what is called "M-theory," a collection of overlapping theories (including string theory) that fill in many (but not all) the blank spots in quantum physics. This collection is known as the "Grand Unified Field Theories." |
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According anthropic principle apparent laws Aristotle Asymptotic freedom atoms balls baryons behave behavior believed big bang billion buckyballs called carbon century clock CMBR concept cosmological constant created describe determined distance double-slit experiment early universe earth Einstein electric and magnetic electrons elementary particle energy equations ether everyday example exist expanding explain Feynman diagrams Feynman sum force particles forces of nature fundamental galaxies gliders helium human idea infinities inflation interference large space dimensions laws of nature live squares M-theory mass and charge mathematical matter particles measure model-dependent realism molecules moving Newtonian nucleus objects observe orbits paths pattern physical law physicists picture planets possible histories predictions principle probability amplitude protons and neutrons quantum physics quantum theory quarks reality relativity renormalization scientific scientists slits solar system space-time speed of light stars string theory strong force supergravity supersymmetry tion verse wave wavelengths zero