If one were to look inside an atom, one would find the expected protons, neutrons and… If one were to look inside an atom, one would find the expected protons, neutrons and electrons, but since the late 1960s scientists have theorized that there may be something even smaller than an electron in every atom.

One with an astounding purpose.

In traditional physics, the smallest unit of matter was a point particle that took up no space. Theoretical ‘strings,’ however, are said to be one-dimensional particles within the nucleus. This structure may be able to explain some of quantum mechanics’ elusive questions.

Delving into the atom, one should find the normal electrons, but deeper inside the atom there is a quark, a sphere-like particle. These particles are the foundation of quantum mechanics (the mathematical study of all atomic and subatomic units).

A quark is the theoretical protective shell for a single string. These strings constantly vibrate, like the four strings on a violin, where each vibration creates a unique note. Instead of a chorus of notes to make a musical composition, a string’s vibration results in the production of electrons, protons and neutrons, or even cell division by multiple strings separating.

Because of strings’ continuous motion and one-dimensional structure, they could lead the way for the notion of extra dimensions in space and time. In string theory, there can be 10, 11 or even 26 dimensions.

The Economist published an article on Sept. 16, 2006, explaining the trouble with string theory. “There are so many different versions of it and no way of telling which is right. Moreover, when an unexpected discovery has come to light, string theory has had to be adapted so that it incorporates what has already been seen to be true.”

Some properties in quantum mechanics are measured in branes, or by dimensions. Each string is 1-brane for its one dimension, while a 0-brane particle has zero dimensions and a cellular membrane is 2-brane.

One particular vibration may create a graviton, which is theoretically the smallest part of gravity. Many experiments are currently taking place to try to locate gravitons by colliding two atoms into each other.

If gravitons can be located and proven to exist, then this could further the investigation of curved space and time, which could open doors to parallel universes or time travel, at least in theory.

Brian Greene’s book “The Elegant Universe” proposes that each string is one- quintillion times smaller than an atomic nucleus. That is like the size of the Cathedral of Learning compared to the Milky Way Galaxy.

There are allegedly both open and closed strings. Closed strings have no end points. Open strings have two end points and could bind with other open strings to form large closed strings, which will help answer many of quantum mechanics most puzzling cases.