Mass of Strings: E=MC2 & Measurable Mass?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relationship between string theory and mass, specifically how strings, as forms of energy, possess measurable mass according to the equation E=mc². It highlights that strings exhibit quantization of vibration modes, with each mode corresponding to a specific energy and mass. The analysis indicates that while the lowest modes correspond to massless particles, higher modes yield massive particles, with the mass scale determined by a free parameter in the theory. The complexity of solving these problems, even for non-interacting bosonic strings, is acknowledged.

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  • Understanding of string theory fundamentals
  • Familiarity with the equation E=mc²
  • Knowledge of quantum harmonic oscillators
  • Basic concepts of quantization in physics
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If e=mc2 and strings are a form of energy will they not have a measurable mass?
 
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In the most simple models strings are subject to quantization of vibration modes. Each mode has a frequency and therefore an energy just like the usual modes of the one-dim. quantum harmonic oscillator. Therefore each mode corresponds to a certain vibration energy E which then corresponds to a certain rest mass m defined by E = mc².

Solving this problem for strings is rather difficult (even for non-interacting, bosonic strings w/o compactified extra dimensions), but the result is indeed an energy spectrum and therefore a mass spectrum. Only the lowest modes correspond to massles particles, the higher vibration modes correspond to massive particles; the mass scale is determined by one free parameter of the theory.
 
I am extremely amateur in the realm of physics and have only recently taken up reading about it because it has captivated my imagination. I would like to read more about quantum harmonic oscillator. Can you recommend something to get started?
 

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