Strings vs Blocks: Dimensions & Oscillating Volumes

[Pjpic]

Why do strings only have one dimension (or maybe branes have 2 dimensions)? Why aren't oscillating volumes (like a cube) used?

 

[robousy]

Symmetry and minimization of energy.

Your question is a good one, and one I think any intelligent person should ask themselves at some point. It's actually somewhat equivalent to saying "why isn't the Sun a cube, or hexahedron?"

 

[Demystifier]

Why do strings only have one dimension (or maybe branes have 2 dimensions)? Why aren't oscillating volumes (like a cube) used?

If strings are replaced with objects extended in more dimensions, then ultraviolate divergences cannot longer be removed (at least not perturbatively). This happens only for extension in 1 dimension.

 

[Dmitry67]

whats about n-branes?

 

[Chimps]

I agree it is a good question and the answer lies in mathematics.

There is no reason why theories involving more dimensions cannot be devised (and indeed they have already) but the mathematics involved becomes increasing more complex as you add more dimensions.

 

[Demystifier]

whats about n-branes?

It is still not known how to quantize them consistently.

 

[Pjpic]

If strings are replaced with objects extended in more dimensions, then ultraviolate divergences cannot longer be removed (at least not perturbatively). This happens only for extension in 1 dimension.

I don't know what it means, but thanks for the answer. So, string theory says that objects can only have one dimension due to a fundamental property of reality?

 

[Coin]

It is still not known how to quantize them consistently.

Hmm, but string theorists use them regularly anyway don't they?

 

[Demystifier]

Hmm, but string theorists use them regularly anyway don't they?

Yes. They mostly use them as classical objects.

 

[Coin]

Yes. They mostly use them as classical objects.

Very interesting, thanks.