Max String Frequency: Answers to Beginner Questions

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the properties of strings in both classical physics and string theory, particularly focusing on the concepts of maximum and minimum frequencies, the implications of zero frequency, and the nature of vibrations in different dimensional contexts. The scope includes theoretical inquiries, conceptual clarifications, and some references to string theory.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that there is no lower limit on the frequencies that can propagate along a string, while noting that a finite length string has a minimum resonance frequency.
  • Others argue that there may be an upper limit based on the material properties of the string, such as its ability to withstand strain before breaking.
  • A participant mentions that a zero frequency component, referred to as the DC component, indicates a constant displacement from equilibrium, suggesting that a string at zero frequency is at rest.
  • Another participant raises a hypothetical scenario involving a large string and questions how it can vibrate without moving in 3D space, linking this to string theory and the potential implications for fundamental particles.
  • Some participants clarify that string theory is distinct from the classical understanding of vibrating strings, with one noting that the OP's questions seem to pertain more to ordinary vibrating strings rather than string theory.
  • A later reply questions the OP's understanding of string theory, suggesting that the discussion may not belong in the context of advanced theoretical physics.
  • The OP later revises their question to inquire about the relationship between dimensions and allowed frequencies in M theory, along with the implications of zero frequency in terms of energy.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the relationship between classical string vibrations and string theory, with some asserting that the OP's questions do not align with advanced string theory concepts. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the implications of string theory on the nature of strings and their frequencies.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the assumptions made about the nature of strings in different contexts, particularly the distinction between classical strings and those in string theory. The mathematical relationships and definitions of frequency in relation to dimensions are not fully explored.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those exploring the fundamentals of string theory, classical mechanics of strings, and the conceptual implications of frequency in both contexts.

philiprdutton
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If a string is a certain length then is there a max frequency? Is there a min frequency? These are beginner questions but answers would be appreciated. Also, if a string has zero frequency is it at rest? What would zero-frequency string mean in terms of energy?
 
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There is no lower limit on the frequencies that can propagate along a string. Strings of a finite length possesses a minimum resonance frequency, but this does not prevent lower frequencies from propagating along the length of a string. There is potentially an upper limit based on the material properties of the string - such as how much strain the string can take before breaking.

The zero frequency component is sometimes called the DC component, it is simply a constant displacement from equilibrium.

A string that has a frequency component at zero and only at zero will be at rest.

The energy is such a frequency component depends on how much work it took to displace the string from equilibrium in the first place.

Claude.
 
Last edited:
movement

Claude Bile said:
There is no lower limit on the frequencies that can propagate along a string. Strings of a finite length possesses a minimum resonance frequency, but this does not prevent lower frequencies from propagating along the length of a string. There is potentially an upper limit based on the material properties of the string - such as how much strain the string can take before breaking.

The zero frequency component is sometimes called the DC component, it is simply a constant displacement from equilibrium.

A string that has a frequency component at zero and only at zero will be at rest.

The energy is such a frequency component depends on how much work it took to displace the string from equilibrium in the first place.

Claude.

Thanks for your information! I shall have another question if you do not mind. Assume we have a large string about the size of our Earth's moon. Assume it is not moving in the traditional 3 dimensions. Let's us say that the string is vibrating with some particular frequency. How can it it vibrate and not move in 3D space? Within string theory, might one consider vibrational frequencies as something that might trigger movement if the string is large enough to exist in 3D space?
 
Philip, if your are referring to String Theory, it really has nothing to do with physical strings as you first asked about.
I would expand upon Claude's response only to point out that no vibration of any sort can exceed the speed of sound in the string, regardless of the structural integrity.
 
vibrations

Danger said:
Philip, if your are referring to String Theory, it really has nothing to do with physical strings as you first asked about.
I would expand upon Claude's response only to point out that no vibration of any sort can exceed the speed of sound in the string, regardless of the structural integrity.

Sure I understand that we are not talking about 3D strings. I was perhaps incorrectly using the word vibration. I really am talking about the 1D loops of string theory which undulate with some particular frequency. I thought that one particular version of string theory might suggest that something as "big" as a back hole could actually be a fundamental particle. In such talk, is a fundamental particle a string theory style string or is an elementary particle just something that happens to be composed of lots of string theory strings?
 
That is far beyond my area of knowledge. Your best bet would be to contact the Cosmology or Theoretical Physics experts.
 
sorry

Danger said:
That is far beyond my area of knowledge. Your best bet would be to contact the Cosmology or Theoretical Physics experts.

Darn. I thought I posted this in String theory discussion area. Sorry.
 
No need to apologize. Just PM one of the Mentors, and s/he can move this to the appropriate forum. :smile:
 
Since the OP wants to discuss string theory, I've moved this to the "Beyond the Standard Model" forum.
 
  • #10
Actually, as far as I have read, the OP has no idea on what "String Theory" is. All the questions so far has been about ordinary vibrating strings in various dimensions from 1 to 3D. This is not THE String Theory. So this thread doesn't belong here.

Zz.
 
  • #11
thanks for moving this

ZapperZ said:
Actually, as far as I have read, the OP has no idea on what "String Theory" is. All the questions so far has been about ordinary vibrating strings in various dimensions from 1 to 3D. This is not THE String Theory. So this thread doesn't belong here.

Zz.

Thank you for moving this thread for me. I realized I placed it in the "CLASSICAL BORING PHYSICS" topic area by accident.
 
  • #12
philiprdutton said:
Thank you for moving this thread for me. I realized I placed it in the "CLASSICAL BORING PHYSICS" topic area by accident.

I didn't move it. In fact, if you read my post, I am suggesting that it be moved out of the BTSM forum, since none of what your asking is beyond the ordinary vibration theory, which belongs in the classical physics forum.

Zz.
 
  • #13
changed

philiprdutton said:
If a string is a certain length then is there a max frequency? Is there a min frequency? These are beginner questions but answers would be appreciated. Also, if a string has zero frequency is it at rest? What would zero-frequency string mean in terms of energy?


Sorry, I will correct and restate the OP's question:

"In M theory, is a 'string' confined to a sub-range of frequencies which might be determined by which dimensions it happens to be residing in? What is the relationship between dimensions (their properties) and allowed frequency? Also, if a string/brane has zero frequency is this called rest? What would zero-frequency string mean in terms of energy?"
 

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