Does string theory, in principle, answer why matter comes in chunks ?

In summary, string theory does not necessarily provide an answer to why matter comes in "chunks" of the same amount and why energy comes in "chunks" of a given frequency. However, quantum field theory does naturally explain this phenomenon. The success of quantum field theory cannot be fully explained. In terms of the relationship between mass and quantum field theory, the theory does allow for "chunks" but not necessarily in exact amounts. The fixed mass of elementary particles is not fully explained by quantum field theory.
  • #1
Spinnor
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Does string theory, in principle, answer why matter comes in "chunks"?

Does string theory, in principle, answer why matter comes in "chunks" of the same amount (say the mass of an electron or muon), and why the energy in the electromagnetic field of a given frequency also comes in a "chunks",
(E = hc/λ)? Or is this a "why" type question that has no answer.

Thanks for any help!
 
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  • #2
You don't need string theory for that, quantum field theory gives this naturally. If you go deeper and ask "why is quantum field theory so successful", there is no answer.
 
  • #3
mfb said:
You don't need string theory for that, quantum field theory gives this naturally. If you go deeper and ask "why is quantum field theory so successful", there is no answer.

You say naturally, isn't mass a input in standard model (quantum field theory) where in string theory mass might be an output of the theory? Does quantum field theory say that there will be "chunks" just not the exact amount of the chunks? When we quantize a field are we saying (among other things) that there will be chunks?

Thanks for your help!
 
  • #4
The values of the masses (the coupling strength to the Higgs field) are free parameters, but the fact that every elementary particle has a fixed mass is not.
Does quantum field theory say that there will be "chunks" just not the exact amount of the chunks?
Right.
 

Related to Does string theory, in principle, answer why matter comes in chunks ?

1. What is string theory?

String theory is a theoretical framework in physics that aims to explain the fundamental nature of particles and the forces between them. It proposes that the smallest units of matter are not point-like particles, but rather tiny, vibrating strings.

2. How does string theory explain the existence of matter chunks?

In string theory, the vibrations of strings give rise to different types of particles, which can be thought of as chunks of matter. These particles have specific properties, such as mass and charge, which determine how they interact with each other.

3. Does string theory provide a definitive answer to why matter comes in chunks?

No, string theory is still a highly theoretical concept and has not been proven experimentally. While it offers a promising framework for understanding the nature of matter, it is not yet considered a complete theory and cannot definitively answer why matter exists in chunks.

4. Can string theory be tested and proven?

At this time, string theory cannot be directly tested or proven due to the extremely high energy levels required to observe the effects of strings. However, there are ongoing experiments and research efforts that aim to indirectly test the predictions of string theory.

5. Are there any alternative theories that also attempt to explain why matter comes in chunks?

Yes, there are other theories, such as loop quantum gravity and extra dimensions, that also attempt to explain the discrete nature of matter. However, string theory is currently the most well-known and studied theory in this area.

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