Aired
October 28, 2003
Part 1, "Einstein's Dream," introduces string theory and shows how modern physics—composed of two theories that are ferociously incompatible—reached its schizophrenic impasse: One theory, general relativity, successfully describes big things like stars and galaxies, while another, quantum mechanics, is equally successful at explaining small things like atoms and subatomic particles. Albert Einstein, the inventor of general relativity, dreamed of finding a single theory that would embrace all of nature's laws. But in this quest for the so-called unified theory, Einstein came up empty-handed, and the conflict between general relativity and quantum mechanics has stymied all who've followed. That is, until the discovery of string theory.
Episode 3 of Season 31 from NOVA — available to stream in HD on any device.
Join the conversation
Sign in to leave a comment
No comments yet
Be the first to share your thoughts!
Recommended
Mother, May I Murder?
Human
The Friday the 13th Murders
Quarterback
Hollywood Hustler: Glitz, Glam, Scam
Richard Hammond's Workshop
Molly-Mae: Behind It All
Where Are They Now?
Grand Designs
Colosseum: Rise and Fall
Search for movies, TV shows, collections, manga, or people
Trending Now