What causes the strings to vibrate?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the nature of vibrations in string theory, specifically exploring the forces or energies that cause these strings to vibrate. It includes theoretical considerations and speculative questions about the implications of such vibrations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that string theory posits everything is made of tiny vibrating strings, questioning what causes these vibrations.
  • Another participant proposes that the vibrations are a result of the Heisenberg uncertainty principle and zero-point energy.
  • A different viewpoint compares the question of string vibrations to the fundamental question of what caused the Big Bang, implying a lack of definitive answers.
  • One participant raises a question about polar vibrations, asking if strings with opposite frequencies would cancel each other out and what implications this would have for subatomic particles.
  • Another participant challenges the connection to the Heisenberg uncertainty principle, suggesting that classical strings can also vibrate and framing the question as one of initial conditions set by nature.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the causes of string vibrations, with no consensus reached on the underlying mechanisms or the relevance of the Heisenberg uncertainty principle.

Contextual Notes

Some claims rely on assumptions about the nature of string theory and the interpretation of quantum mechanics, which remain unresolved in this discussion.

THe Bank
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From what I gather string theory states that everything is made of tiny vibrating strings or bands. But what force or energy causes these strings to constantly vibrate?
 
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They vibrate because they obey the Heisenberg's uncertainy principle, i.e., due to what is sometimes called zero-point energy, I think.
 
It's the same as asking "what made the big bang explode"? the simple answer is we don't know and might never know.
 
Polar Vibrations

I know that in other fields waves with opposite frequncies cancel or wash each other out. If two strings with polar vibrations came into contact with each other, would they cancel each other out? If so, what would happen to the-sub atomic particles made up of these canceled out strings?
 
bel said:
They vibrate because they obey the Heisenberg's uncertainy principle, i.e., due to what is sometimes called zero-point energy, I think.
It has nothing to do with Heisenberg uncertainty principle. Classical strings may vibrate too. Just like in the big-bang question, the question reduces to: Why God/Nature has chosen nontrivial initial conditions. I think the question is rather trivial.
 

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