M-Theory Strings: Impermanence and Decay Explored

[WillyB]

Are the strings in M-Theory impermanent, do they decay for example?(I am not a physicist, curious from a philosophical perspective)

 

[analogdesign]

How could strings decay if they are the fundamental unit of energy? What would they decay into? I would say string theory posits that strings are the bottom of the barrel.

 

[WillyB]

Thanks. So, they are not subject to quantum fluctuation?

 

[trimok]

A closed string can separate in 2 closed strings, inversely, 2 closed strings can fusion in one closed string. Idem for open strings. 2 open strings may fusion in one closed string. See : (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Stringinteractions.svg)

 

[WillyB]

Thanks trimok. For some reason, when you mention the fracturing and melding of loops, the image I have is of the back side of a field. I'm starting to get the (mem)brane terminology. It seems impermanence applies only in the sense that the instance of a string form is constantly evolving. Still, I wonder if the loops themselves ever dissipate energy to the extent they pass out of existence. Perhaps branes pass out of interference in some way.