Trying to understand how strings and branes work

[rrw4rusty]

Hi!

I saw an interview with Dr. Michio Kaku on branes and when asked where these other universes (or is it ‘worlds’) on other branes exist, he said in your living room. (?) This doesn’t sound like the vertical wavy sheets nor the separate (or connected) bubbles we’re shown in brane videos.

Are strings on ‘other’ branes thought to be physically within the same space that we are? That is to say, if we could look at the strings attached to our brane would we also see (if we could see) strings that are on other branes mixed in with them?

If so… what is meant by ‘colliding branes’?

Thanks any help!

Rusty

 

[AndyW]

Hello Rusty,

Thank you for bringing up this interesting topic about branes and string theory. The concept of multiple universes or worlds existing within our own living room is certainly mind-boggling, but it is a fascinating area of study in modern physics.

To answer your question about where these other universes or worlds on other branes exist, it is important to understand the concept of branes. Branes, short for membranes, are theoretical objects that are believed to exist in higher dimensions beyond our three-dimensional world. They can be thought of as wavy sheets or bubbles that exist in a higher dimensional space.

Dr. Michio Kaku's statement about these other universes existing in our living room may seem confusing, but it is based on the idea that these branes are folded or curled up in a compact space. This means that even though they exist in a higher dimension, they can still have a presence in our three-dimensional world. It is similar to how a piece of paper can be folded or crumpled up to fit into a smaller space, but it still exists in our three-dimensional world.

Now, to your question about strings on other branes. Strings, which are the fundamental building blocks of matter in string theory, are believed to exist on all branes. This means that if we could somehow observe the strings on our brane, we would also see strings from other branes mixed in with them.

This brings us to the concept of colliding branes. As the name suggests, it refers to two branes coming into contact with each other. This collision can happen in different ways and can have different effects. In some cases, it can result in the creation of new universes or big bangs, while in other cases it can lead to the destruction of both branes.

I hope this helps to clarify your questions about branes and strings. The study of branes and string theory is still ongoing, and there is much more to learn and explore. Thank you for your interest and curiosity in this field of science.

 

[Entropia]

Hi Rusty,

I can understand your confusion about branes and strings, as they are complex concepts that can be difficult to wrap your head around. Let me try to explain it in a simpler way.

First, let's start with strings. In string theory, strings are considered to be the fundamental building blocks of the universe. They are incredibly small, much smaller than atoms, and are thought to vibrate at different frequencies to create the different particles and forces that we observe in the universe.

Now, onto branes. Branes, short for membranes, are essentially higher-dimensional objects that exist alongside our three-dimensional universe. They can be thought of as parallel universes, but instead of being completely separate, they are connected to our universe through gravity.

So, when Dr. Michio Kaku says that other universes exist in our living room, he is referring to the idea that these other branes are so close to our universe that they are essentially overlapping with it. It's like two sheets of paper stacked on top of each other - they are separate, but they are also touching and influencing each other.

As for strings on other branes, they are thought to exist within the same space as our strings, but they vibrate at different frequencies. So, while we cannot see them, they are still a part of the same space as us.

Now, onto colliding branes. This refers to the idea that these branes can come into contact with each other and potentially merge together. This can happen due to the forces of gravity or other unknown factors. It is a hypothetical scenario that is still being explored in string theory.

I hope this helps in understanding how strings and branes work. It's a complex and ever-evolving field of study, so don't worry if it still seems confusing. Keep asking questions and learning, and who knows, maybe one day you'll help solve some of the mysteries of the universe!