Elaboration on Superstring Theory

[Benjamin113]

What is meant when one says that everything we see is the lowest vibrations of the strings (According to String Theory)?

I understand the very fundamental concepts of this theory, like how it only works in 10 dimensions, but the above statement confuses me.

 

[arivero]

The massless modes, or the modes with rest mass=0 if you prefer.

 

[Entropia]

Superstring theory, also known as string theory, is a theoretical framework that attempts to reconcile the theories of general relativity and quantum mechanics. It proposes that the fundamental building blocks of the universe are not particles, but tiny vibrating strings. These strings are thought to be incredibly small, with a width of about 10^-33 centimeters.

Now, when it is said that everything we see is the lowest vibrations of the strings, it means that the observable world is made up of these tiny vibrating strings. These strings vibrate at different frequencies, and the frequency of vibration determines the type of particle it represents. For example, a string vibrating at a higher frequency may represent an electron, while a string vibrating at a lower frequency may represent a photon.

According to string theory, the strings vibrate in 10 dimensions - 9 spatial dimensions and 1 time dimension. This is where the confusion may arise, as we only perceive 3 spatial dimensions and 1 time dimension in our everyday lives. The remaining 6 dimensions are thought to be compactified or curled up, making them undetectable to us.

So, when we say that everything we see is the lowest vibrations of the strings, it means that the physical world that we perceive is a manifestation of these tiny strings vibrating in 10 dimensions. This concept challenges our traditional understanding of particles and suggests that the universe is much more complex and interconnected than we previously thought.

In summary, the statement that everything we see is the lowest vibrations of the strings in string theory highlights the idea that the fundamental building blocks of the universe are not particles, but rather tiny vibrating strings that make up the fabric of our reality.