Question about M-Theory dimensions

In summary, the new 7 dimensions proposed in M-Theory are orthogonal to our 3 dimensions and are curled up into really tiny little wads. They are invisible to our current and foreseeable energy levels and none of our instruments have enough energy to probe them.
  • #1
MojaveJoe
18
0
Hi all,

My apologies if these are stupid questions, just trying to understand it. In M-Theory there are a proposed new 7 dimensions. It was stated that these very small dimensions are on each point in our regular 3 dimensions.

What does that mean? Are they "anchored" to a point? What is the point then?

Thanks for your forbearance!

MojaveJoe
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
MojaveJoe said:
Hi all,

My apologies if these are stupid questions, just trying to understand it. In M-Theory there are a proposed new 7 dimensions. It was stated that these very small dimensions are on each point in our regular 3 dimensions.

What does that mean? Are they "anchored" to a point? What is the point then?

Thanks for your forbearance!

MojaveJoe


The seven new dimensions are orthogonal - "at right angles" to our visible three (or four, counting time). So each one of them is "at" each point of spacetime, just as "height" is available at each point of a flat surface'. Read Flatland if this breaks your mind.

Now the way that theorists explain why we don't see them is by saying they are curled up tight into really tiny little wads, way smaller than a proton. So none of our instruments have enough energy to probe that small a volume and they are invisible to our current and foreseeable energy levels.

This idea of curling up dimensions or "compaction" as the physicists call it is really independent of the idea of dimensions itself. The number of dimensions really does fall right out of the theory. Physicists have no choice in this. If they are going to do string physics at all, and M-theory is an advanced form of string physics, then they have to accept there are the six or seven extra dimensions. But compaction is an additional hypothesis. Pjysicists don't have to accept it, and some do not, although most do, and draw strong conclusions from it.
 
  • #3
That does kind of break my mind, but I understand it conceptually. Think I'll take a look at Flatland.

Thanks!

MojaveJoe
 

What is M-Theory?

M-Theory is a theoretical framework in physics that attempts to unify all known fundamental forces and particles. It is an extension of string theory and proposes that there are 11 dimensions in our universe.

What are dimensions in M-Theory?

Dimensions in M-Theory refer to the number of coordinates needed to specify the location of a point in space. In this theory, there are 11 dimensions, with the three familiar dimensions of length, width, and height, and 7 additional spatial dimensions that are curled up and invisible to us.

Why are there 11 dimensions in M-Theory?

The number 11 in M-Theory is based on mathematical consistency and symmetry. It is believed that these 11 dimensions are necessary for the equations of M-Theory to work and provide a unified understanding of the universe.

How do the extra dimensions in M-Theory affect our everyday lives?

The extra dimensions in M-Theory are believed to be very small and curled up, making them undetectable in our everyday lives. However, they may have played a crucial role in the formation of our universe and could potentially be accessed through advanced technology in the future.

Is M-Theory a proven theory?

M-Theory is still a theoretical concept and has not been proven yet. It is a work in progress and is constantly being refined and tested by scientists. However, some of its predictions have been supported by experiments and observations, giving credibility to the theory.

Similar threads

  • Beyond the Standard Models
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • Beyond the Standard Models
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Beyond the Standard Models
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • Beyond the Standard Models
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • Beyond the Standard Models
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • Beyond the Standard Models
Replies
0
Views
897
  • Beyond the Standard Models
Replies
13
Views
3K
  • Beyond the Standard Models
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • Beyond the Standard Models
Replies
20
Views
4K
  • Beyond the Standard Models
Replies
8
Views
3K
Back
Top