The Elegant Universe - Post 1

      Brian Greene begins his novel with the description of two ideas: Einstein's theory of relativity, and quantum mechanics.  The theory of relativity explains and documents the movements of the universe on a large scale.  The secrets of the planets, stars, solar systems and galaxies can be unlocked with the theory of relativity, which is based on the key foundation of the combination of space and time.  Quantum mechanics explains how the universe moves on a much smaller scale.  In the subatomic world, quarks, neutrinos, muons, and their antiparticles move in synchrony with the ideas put forth in quantum mechanics.

      These two theories explain both of the major parts of the surrounding universe with unmatched precision.  However, when combined, the results are impossible figures and incalculable numbers.  The so-called "unifying theory" has puzzled physicists for years, and was the subject of Einstein's studies in the last years of his life.  In the last few decades, a new theory has emerged.  Put forth by physicist Dr. Michio Kaku, the string theory suggests that the entire universe is made of vibrating strings, smaller than the smallest subatomic particles.  The mechanics of such strings fill major gaps between the theory of relativity and quantum mechanics, and opens new insight to ideas such as multiple dimensions and black holes.