Strings as particles. Basic question.

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the nature of strings in string theory and their relationship to elementary particles, specifically quarks and electrons. Participants explore whether particles are composed of single or multiple strings and the implications of string vibrations on particle properties.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the size of strings compared to particles and whether a quark is represented by one or many strings.
  • Another participant suggests that quarks and other particles are made up of strings but acknowledges the uncertainty in quantifying them due to observational limitations.
  • A different participant seeks to clarify if one particle corresponds to one string, expressing a desire to understand the concept better.
  • One participant argues that particles are not made of strings but rather that their wave functions arise from string vibrations, emphasizing the derivative nature of particles in quantum field theory.
  • This participant also discusses the role of branes in string theory, suggesting that while each particle may originate from one string, a single string can give rise to multiple particles through its vibrations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether particles are made of strings or if their properties emerge from string vibrations. There is no consensus on the exact relationship between strings and particles, indicating ongoing debate and exploration of the topic.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight limitations in understanding due to the inability to observe strings directly, leading to reliance on theoretical frameworks and mathematical models. The discussion reflects varying interpretations of string theory concepts.

Mean-Hippy
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How small are those strings anyway ? Brian Green says in his book that they are a lot smaller than the particules we are used to deal with so, I mean, Is a quark the expression of one string or many, how many "actual" strings in a electron, a gluons etc ? Or is my conception ( yet again ! ) flawed ?

:rolleyes:
 
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It's been my understanding that quarks (and all other particles) are made up of strings. But then again, I'm NOT a physics nerd :biggrin: so an answer from one of them might be more meaningful! :wink: I don't think we know how many there are in each of them because we cannot see them! We can't count what we can't see. We can only theorize that they are there (mathmatically). (Right guys?? Good grief! Am I finally getting the hang of this? :biggrin: :)
 
Yeah, I ve fidured the basic of the facts that the elementary particle are strings but I am trying to understand if 1 particule = 1 string ?



To toss my brain around, :smile: String physics over vodka anyday !
 
Last edited:
The particles of the standard model would not be "made of strings", rather their wave functions (they all have 'em) are made of vibrations of strings. All the constant talk about particles obscures the fact that particles are a derivative concept. There's a reason the standard model is called a quantum FIELD theory, not a quantum particle theory.

In some of the proposed models for getting known particles out of string physics you have vibrating strings with their ends stuck to branes. In order to get the interlocking properties of the particles that the standard model specifies, they have to have intersecting branes, one set of branes generates the SU(3) properties and another the SU(2) properties, and the strings begin on one set and end on another. The branes themselves carry charges that generate the properties. So then the strings vibrate and some of the vibrations wind up as the wave functions of some of the particles. I believe each particle comes from only one string, but one string can generate more than one particle.
 

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