Fundamental equation in string theory

In summary, the conversation explores the existence of a fundamental equation in string theory and whether it can be derived from a variational principle. The Polyakov action is mentioned as a possible fundamental equation, but it is not sufficient to understand non-perturbative aspects. The conversation also references the supersymmetrization of the Polyakov action and notes that it is an FAQ in the field of string theory.
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kent davidge
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Is there a fundamental equation in string theory and can it be derived from a variational principle?
 
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  • #2
If you mean an equation from which all properties of string theory can, in principle, be deductively derived, then such an equation is not yet known.
 
  • #3
kent davidge said:
Is there a fundamental equation in string theory and can it be derived from a variational principle?

If there is "a" fundamental equation at all in string theory, I guess you're looking for the Polyakov action,

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyakov_action

This is basically a rewritten Nambu-Goto action such that quantization becomes easier. For the full string theory, you want the supersymmetrization of this Polyakov-action.
 
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  • #4
The Polyakov action (or its supersymmetric generalization) is fundamental for perturbative string theory, but it is not sufficient to understand the non-perturbative aspects.
 
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What is the fundamental equation in string theory?

The fundamental equation in string theory is the equation of motion for the string, known as the Polyakov action. It describes how the string moves through spacetime and is derived from the principles of quantum mechanics and special relativity.

How does the fundamental equation in string theory differ from other fundamental equations in physics?

The fundamental equation in string theory is unique in that it incorporates both quantum mechanics and general relativity. This allows it to describe the behavior of particles at the smallest scales, where both quantum effects and gravity are important.

What does the fundamental equation in string theory tell us about the nature of particles?

The fundamental equation in string theory tells us that particles are not truly point-like objects, but rather tiny one-dimensional strings that vibrate at different frequencies. The properties of these vibrations determine the characteristics of the particle, such as mass and charge.

Can the fundamental equation in string theory be proven experimentally?

Currently, there is no experimental evidence for string theory. However, scientists are actively working on ways to test its predictions and verify its validity. Some proposed experiments involve looking for evidence of extra dimensions or particles that could be explained by string theory.

What are the potential implications of the fundamental equation in string theory?

If string theory is proven to be correct, it could provide a unified framework for understanding all of the fundamental forces and particles in the universe. It could also potentially lead to a better understanding of concepts such as space, time, and gravity at the smallest scales.

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