M-Theory Strings: Impermanence and Decay Explored

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the nature of strings in M-Theory, specifically addressing their impermanence and potential decay. Participants explore philosophical implications, fundamental properties, and the dynamics of string interactions, including the concepts of separation and fusion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question whether strings in M-Theory are impermanent and if they can decay, considering their status as fundamental units of energy.
  • Others argue that if strings are indeed the fundamental building blocks, it raises the question of what they could decay into.
  • A participant inquires about the relationship between strings and quantum fluctuations, suggesting that strings may not be subject to such phenomena.
  • One participant describes the process of closed strings separating into two closed strings and vice versa, as well as the fusion of open strings into closed strings, referencing visual representations of these interactions.
  • Another participant reflects on the evolving nature of string forms and speculates about the possibility of loops dissipating energy to the point of ceasing to exist, while also considering the role of branes in this context.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the impermanence and decay of strings, with no consensus reached on whether strings can dissipate or cease to exist.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about the fundamental nature of strings and their interactions, which may not be universally agreed upon. The implications of quantum fluctuations and energy dissipation remain unresolved.

WillyB
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Are the strings in M-Theory impermanent, do they decay for example?(I am not a physicist, curious from a philosophical perspective)
 
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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.
 
Thanks. So, they are not subject to quantum fluctuation?
 
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.
 

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