Do the strings in String theory get energy to vibrate from Higgs?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationship between strings in String theory and the Higgs field, specifically whether strings derive their energy to vibrate from the Higgs field and if this implies that strings possess mass. Participants explore the nature of strings, their characteristics, and the implications of their vibrations.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that strings do not have mass but are characterized by "tension," with gravity and mass emerging from their vibrations.
  • Others question the source of energy for string vibrations, suggesting it is simply assumed that strings have energy, emphasizing the conservation of energy.
  • A participant expresses skepticism about the concept of "tension" and questions whether strings define a squared mass for their states.
  • Some participants assert that strings do not require the Higgs interaction to gain mass, as their mass arises from their vibration modes.
  • There is a discussion about the conditions under which strings vibrate, with one participant suggesting that vibrations are allowed based on boundary conditions.
  • Another participant raises the question of whether there is a theoretical basis for string vibrations or if it is merely assumed without explanation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally disagree on the source of energy for string vibrations and the implications of string tension. While some agree that strings do not have mass, the discussion remains unresolved regarding the specifics of how vibrations occur and their theoretical underpinnings.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the assumptions made about energy and mass in relation to string vibrations, as well as the definitions of tension and mass in the context of string theory.

Natsirt
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Just as particles move through the theoretical Higgs field and gain energy which gives them mass, do the strings in String theory get their energy to vibrate from the Higgs Field as well? And does that mean that the Strings have mass?
 
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Strings do not have mass. Instead, they are characterized by a quantity that is called "tension". Gravity and matter with mass, similar to the matter which we see in our universe, emerge from strings.

http://www.superstringtheory.com/basics/basic4.html
 
atyy said:
Strings do not have mass. Instead, they are characterized by a quantity that is called "tension". Gravity and matter with mass, similar to the matter which we see in our universe, emerge from strings.

http://www.superstringtheory.com/basics/basic4.html

OK I expected that they wouldn't have mass and I know that their vibrations decide the amount of mass in particles but where does the energy come from to make the strings vibrate?
 
Natsirt said:
OK I expected that they wouldn't have mass and I know that their vibrations decide the amount of mass in particles but where does the energy come from to make the strings vibrate?

It is simply assumed that they have energy. The important thing is that energy is conserved.
 
So there is no explanation yet?
 
atyy said:
Strings do not have mass. Instead, they are characterized by a quantity that is called "tension". Gravity and matter with mass, similar to the matter which we see in our universe, emerge from strings.

http://www.superstringtheory.com/basics/basic4.html

Don't they define a squared mass for the string states, and so on get the predicted spectrum of the theory?
I don't know, I don't really like the idea of "tension".
 
ChrisVer said:
Don't they define a squared mass for the string states, and so on get the predicted spectrum of the theory?
I don't know, I don't really like the idea of "tension".

I agree, I think the question has no answer yet. Guess I just need to be patient.
 
The answer to your question is in general no.
Although the Higgs mechanism can work on string theory (in order to break symmetries), the strings don't need the Higgs interaction to gain mass. Their mass is a result of their vibration modes.
 
ChrisVer said:
The answer to your question is in general no.
Although the Higgs mechanism can work on string theory (in order to break symmetries), the strings don't need the Higgs interaction to gain mass. Their mass is a result of their vibration modes.

And what makes the strings vibrate?
 
  • #10
the fact that they are allowed to by the way you deal them- you allow them to vibrate with some boundary conditions.
 
  • #11
So...is their Any theory to there vibrations or is it only assumed without an explanation.
 
  • #12
no vibration is just one possibility out of the many you are allowed to have by accepting it. I don't understand what's your point. Non vibration would be for example a zero-th mode. The question would be more likely to ask yourself why you want to take just one case out of the infinite possibilities?
 

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