So about string theory...

so i read that string theory poses the idea that electrons and quarks are one dimensional oscillating strings. what exactly does this mean? does the theory pose that quarks and electrons are made of these oscillating strings? and what exactly led to this idea? I plan on reading "the elegant universe" by brian green, I just don't own the book yet. but i am absolutely fascinated by this idea.

Excellent choice "The Elegant Universe."

Just to set the record straight though strings are infinitely thin really short (1E-35 m) bits of energy that vibrate in 9 spatial dimensions...they are not one dimensional. And all sub atomic particles, not just quarks and electrons, are manifestations of how the strings vibrate.

If you read "The Elegant Universe" (and reread perhaps many parts of it!) I think you'll be able to write your own answers to the questions you pose. Get a copy from the library or buy one used or a new paperback, and you'll be in for some fascinating and challenging reading.

I'm about 2/3 through it now, but I have also read his "The Hidden Reality". The amazing thing about his cosmology books is that there are NO equations in them--he's a physicist with an excellent way with words . . . and with diagrams and pictures, helping us visualize dimensions well above 4.

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There is a television program that went over String Theory not too long ago called "NOVA science"
It covered the theory pretty well and should provide good background knowledge before you read that book. I'm sure you can find the video anywhere online. It's really good and you should definitely look it up if you have the time.