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The GUTs of the Universe
Physicists have faced three great dilemmas this century. The first two were both resolved by Albert Einstein with his special and general theories of relativity, altering the way we think of space and time. The third problem, as yet unsolved, is an incompatibility between quantum mechanics and general relativity. Quantum mechanics is the physics of the microscopic realm, while general relativity governs everything from a bouncing ball to galaxies to the universe itself. One theory exists with potential to resolve this conflict, and in the process unite the forces of the universe, something Einstein tried to do for three decades but was unsuccessful. This theory is superstring theory - string theory for short. By thinking of fundamental particles like electrons and quarks as being tiny, vibrating loops rather than zero-dimensional points, the four forces and fundamental particles emerge . This site is about this search to unify the forces of the universe, known as grand unification, in a theory called a Grand Unification Theory (GUT). Welcome to The GUTs of the Universe!

[Special and General Relativity]
The first two major problems in theoretical physics from
this century, both solved by Albert Einstein.
[Quantum Mechanics]
This section is about the bizarre nature of particles. It
also introduces the incompatabilities between quantum
mechanics and general relativity.


[Superstring Theory]
Through the eyes of this yet-unproven theory, the discord
between general relativity and quantum mechanics vanishes.


[The Universe]
This section concerns the evolution of the universe,
from the big bang to its possible fates.


[About/Interact]
In this section, interact with other visitors and find out
about this site and its creators.

Created by Jennie Siering and Fawntia Fowler for