Can you explain to me the unified field theory and why it will not work?

Can you explain to me the reason behind the "challenge?"

What's the "unified field theory"?

I'm glad someone else doesn't know, either.

lol, now I feel better that you dont know

It's a theory that is supposed to unify several fields of knowledge in physics.

I've heard some basic talk about this but nothing really detailed. I have heard that so far it's completely unworkable though. I'd be interested to hear any good breakdown on the topic..

Speaking of topics though;shouldn't this be moved to Mind, Space and Time?

Why Mr. Rex, it already is in Mind, Space and Time, what are you talking about?

MrsScienceGuy, can you explain it?

I'll tell you why the universal field theory won't work... it's because scientists haven't yet been able to combine all properties of the universe (gravity, energy, etc.) into one equation. I believe Einstein died trying to devise such an equation. I think it will be especially difficult now because of quantum mechanics and quantum gravity - as really small particles don't obey Newton's gravity. Poor, poor scientists.

Unified filed theory is the holy grail of physics. As it stands, the fields are too divided, their theories are incompatible. Unifying them will take a whole new approach. It will be like reinventing the wheel, redefining every theory. I don't think it's impossible but it will take an enormous amount of collaborative effort, not something all scientists are looking forward to. That said, lets wait and see how the superstring theory works out. It's too early to say right now, but it does show some promises of unifying the four forces.

did anybody catch this but me?

I missed it

MSG, I think you've got a nemesis

I'm jealous...I haven't had one for ages!

Hah, its not a first one either. Apparently, I'm quite popular

Or should I say UNpopular

Does this help?


SOURCE

PS. Popular!

The great Burnside is the Master of Mind, Space, and Time.

Thanks Zandore, you always cheer me up

double

?

For what it is worth, this might explain what it is:

First field theory, is electromagnetism.
Gravitation is the second field theory.
The term unified field theory was coined by Einstein, who was attempting to prove that electromagnetism and gravity were different manifestations of a single fundamental field

The theory of relativity explains the nature and behavior of all phenomena on the macroscopic level (things that are visible to the naked eye)
Quantum theory explains the nature and behavior of all phenomena on the microscopic (atomic and subatomic) level.
The two theories are incompatible.

Unconvinced that nature would prescribe totally different modes of behavior for phenomena that were simply scaled differently, Einstein sought a theory that would reconcile the two apparently irreconcilable theories that form the basis of modern physics.

Hope that helps

if the universe works... there should be one theory that explains why. The reason its so damn hard is because the universe at a large scale(our scale) is geometrical, flat, and easy to figure out an answer for because everything is moving really slow. The universe at a small scale is utter chaos and unpredictable. Ofcourse the there's string theory, the theory that says everything at the smallest scale is a vibrating strand of energy. Works for me.

you called him "mrs.science guy"

The reason for the challenge should have been obvious. How ever since everything must be explained. You propose to be a physicist. Yet almost every thing you have stated as physics facts have been false. No I cannot explain unified field theory without getting into quantum theory and dimensional theory. I am no math wiz. Wish I were though.

Oh by the way Einstein quit that theory in favor of quantum theory.

This man was an excellent communicator. These were put together because a journalist had prompted him to expain some things in a general fashion.

Richard Feynman Lectures at University of Auckland

Another explaination why it cannot be reconciled is because under Gen relativity, everything has a "fixed" space/time position. Quantum theory is about "propablistic" position of small things. Can't apply relativistic rules on supersmall scales, not to mention quantum theory has certain conditions where things can exceed relativistic speed. String theory is whacky enough to work to as a unified theory of everything.