Considering String Theory’s Setbacks
Because string theory has made so few specific predictions, it’s hard to disprove it, but the theory has fallen short of some of the hype about how it will be a fundamental theory to explain all the physics [more…]
Einstein's Special Relativity
In 1905, Albert Einstein published the theory of special relativity, which explains how to interpret motion between different inertial frames of reference [more…]
Common Functional Groups in Organic Chemistry
In organic chemistry, functional groups (or reactive centers) are small structural units within molecules that dictate how most of the compound's chemical reactions occur. Know these common functional [more…]
Periodic Table of Elements
If you’re studying organic chemistry, the periodic table is an important tool. The elements and their atomic numbers are listed and grouped together by their properties — making it easier to remember without [more…]
Organic Chemistry I For Dummies Cheat Sheet
You won't get very far in your study of organic chemistry without the periodic table of elements and an understanding of the common functional groups (or reactive centers) that dictate how most of a compound's [more…]
Einstein's General Relativity Theory: Gravity as Acceleration
General relativity was Einstein’s theory of gravity, published in 1915, which extended special relativity to take into account non-inertial frames of reference [more…]
Einstein's General Relativity Theory: Gravity as Geometry
General relativity was Einstein’s theory of gravity, published in 1915, which extended special relativity to take into account non-inertial frames of reference [more…]
String Theory's Idea of an Expanding Universe
Albert Einstein was influenced by the concept of an unchanging universe. His general theory of relativity predicted a dynamic universe — one that changed substantially over time — so he introduced a term [more…]
String Theory's Notions of The Big Bang Theory
Soon after astronomer Edwin Hubble proved the universe was expanding, it became evident that the universe was once very much smaller. The theory that the universe started from a single point [more…]
The Inflation Theory: Solving the Universe’s Problems of Flatness and Horizon
In trying to understand the universe, two major problems remained: the flatness problem and the horizon problem. To solve these, the big bang theory is modified by the [more…]
The Universe's Dark Matter and Dark Energy
Two of the biggest mysteries of both string theory and cosmology are the presence of unseen dark matter and of repulsive gravity in the form of dark energy. [more…]
String Theory: Defining a Black Hole
One of the consequences of Einstein’s general theory of relativity was a solution in which space-time curved so much that even a beam of light became trapped. These solutions became called [more…]
The Start of the Universe with String Theory
The big bang theory doesn’t offer any explanation for what started the original expansion of the universe. This is a major theoretical question for cosmologists, and many are applying the concepts of string [more…]
String Theory and the Thermodynamics of a Black Hole
When Stephen Hawking described the Hawking radiation emitted by a black hole, he had to use his physical and mathematical intuition, because quantum physics and general relativity aren’t reconciled. One [more…]
String Theory and the Black Hole Information Paradox
One of the important aspects of the thermodynamics of black holes relates to the black hole information paradox. This paradox may well have a solution in string theory, either in the string theory analyses [more…]
The Theory of Parallel Universes
The multiverse is a theory in which our universe is not the only one, but states that many universes exist parallel to each other. These distinct universes within the multiverse theory are called [more…]
Slowing Time to a Standstill with Relativity
In physics, time travel is closely linked to Einstein’s theory of relativity, which allows motion in space to actually alter the flow of time. This effect is known as [more…]
General Relativity and Wormholes: Doorways in Space and Time
In general relativity, the fabric of space-time can occasionally allow for worldlines that create a closed timelike curve,which is relativity-speak for time travel. Einstein himself explored these concepts [more…]
The Scientific Language of Genetics
From chromosomes to DNA to dominant and recessive alleles, learning the language of genetics is equivalent to learning the subject itself. The following key terms are guaranteed to appear frequently in [more…]
The Structure of the Cell Nucleus and Its Chromosomes
If you could open the nucleus of a cell and peek inside, you’d find chromosomes — the strands of DNA where genes reside. This figure helps you see how all the parts of a chromosome relate to one another [more…]
Mendel’s Laws of Inheritance
Genetic inheritance boils down to three simple concepts put forth by Gregor Mendel, a humble monk and part-time scientist who founded the entire discipline of genetics: [more…]
The Structure of DNA
DNA is made up of long chains of nucleotides. To make a complete DNA molecule, single nucleotides join to make chains that come together as matched pairs and form long double strands. Each nucleotide is [more…]
Uncover Inheritance Based on Genotype and Phenotype Ratios
When solving genetics problems, it pays to know what patterns to look for. The parent genotypes and offspring phenotypic ratios in this table can help you figure out what kind of inheritance is at work [more…]
Genetics For Dummies Cheat Sheet
Genetics is a complex field with lots of details to keep straight. But when you get a handle on some key terms and concepts, including the structure of DNA and the laws of inheritance, you can start putting [more…]
The Power Trio of Sociology
Karl Marx, Emile Durkheim, and Max Weber are the three most important figures in sociology. Their ideas about society are still discussed today, and you’re apt to hear their names in all branches of sociology [more…]
