Chapter 21
Ten Tests for a Theory of Quantum Gravity
IN THIS CHAPTER
Constructing a new theory of quantum gravity that physicists find plausible
Basic (and not-so-basic) hurdles that a theory needs to clear
Using the theory to reproduce known physics
As we discuss throughout this book, right now physicists have two different theories — quantum mechanics and general relativity — that do an excellent job of describing the physical behavior of systems within certain well-defined limitations. In most cases, this isn’t a problem, because physicists can function under one set of those limitations and get results that are incredibly accurate. But in cases where the physical situation is on the boundary of those limitations, the physics gets a little less clear, and neither theory by itself can give the complete picture. The goal of a theory of quantum gravity is to resolve the conflict between quantum theory and the theory of relativity, and hopefully provide answers in these situations.
In this chapter, we narrow in on ten tests that any theory of quantum gravity (whether it be string theory or some other proposal) would have to meet for physicists to really consider it a plausible theory ...
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