Why String theory has so many dimensions

In summary, the conversation discusses the reason for the many dimensions in string theory, which is due to the assumption of 2-D strings. This can be understood through an analogy of color combinations, where the use of 2-D instead of 3-D leads to an escalation in dimensions. The conversation also suggests that if strings were made more 3-D, the number of dimensions needed would decrease. The topic is further explored through a suggested source for more information.
  • #1
siphon
19
0
I am no expert in the string theory, but I was curious why it has so many dimensions. After thinking about it, I think I know why. It has to do with the assumption of 2-D strings. This can be understood with an analogy. We can make any color using combinations of red, blue and yellow. If we plot these three on a graph we can express all the colors on one piece of paper. If instead we assume 2-D, instead of 3-D, or only use two colors at a time, we will need three plots for the three possible two-color combinations. We will also need another plot for white and neutral gray, since these can not be made with two primary colors. Then there are the tan-grays, blue-grays, red-grays, etc., each needing their own plot. The result is an escalation in the number of dimensions. Could all the extra dimensions be a mathematical necessity due to the 2-D assumption. Based on this analogy, if strings were made more 3-D, like the single string filament that is wound inside a golfball, the result should theoretically decrease needed dimensions.
 
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  • #2
Uh well... pick up a book on the subject. It'll explain a lot.

Or Wiki http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calabi-Yau_manifold" [Broken]. There's 5 dimensions right there.
 
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  • #3


As a scientist familiar with string theory, I can provide some insight into why it has so many dimensions. First, it is important to understand that string theory is a mathematical framework used to explain the fundamental forces and particles of the universe. It is still a theoretical concept and has not been proven through experiments.

One of the key principles of string theory is that the fundamental building blocks of the universe are not particles, but rather tiny, vibrating strings. These strings are thought to exist in 10 or 11 dimensions, depending on the version of string theory being studied.

So why do we need so many dimensions? It is important to note that these extra dimensions are not physical dimensions like the three we experience in our everyday lives. Rather, they are mathematical dimensions that are needed to describe the behavior of strings.

In the analogy provided, the different colors represent different dimensions. However, in string theory, the extra dimensions are not just different variations of the same thing. They are necessary for the equations to work and accurately describe the behavior of strings.

Furthermore, the idea of 2-D strings is just a simplification for understanding the concept. In reality, the strings are thought to be extended in all dimensions, including the extra ones. And even with this simplification, the equations still require 10 or 11 dimensions.

In short, the extra dimensions in string theory are not just a mathematical necessity due to the 2-D assumption, but rather they are an integral part of the theory and necessary to accurately describe the behavior of strings. As our understanding of string theory evolves, we may gain more insight into the true nature of these extra dimensions.
 

1. Why does string theory require more than 3 dimensions?

String theory suggests that the fundamental building blocks of the universe are not point-like particles, but rather tiny strings. These strings require more than 3 dimensions in order to vibrate and interact with each other in a consistent way.

2. How many dimensions does string theory predict?

String theory predicts that there are 10 dimensions in total - 3 spatial dimensions (length, width, and height) and 1 time dimension that we experience in our everyday lives, as well as 6 compactified dimensions that are curled up and invisible to us.

3. Why are the extra dimensions not observable?

The compactified dimensions in string theory are theorized to be incredibly small and curled up, making them impossible to observe with our current technology. Additionally, these dimensions may only be accessible at extremely high energies, far beyond what we can currently produce.

4. How does string theory explain gravity in higher dimensions?

In string theory, gravity is explained as the result of the curvature of these extra dimensions. This means that the strength of gravity can vary in different areas of space depending on the shape and size of the compactified dimensions.

5. Are there any experiments or evidence to support string theory's multiple dimensions?

Currently, there is no experimental evidence to support the existence of multiple dimensions predicted by string theory. However, some theories such as the holographic principle and the AdS/CFT correspondence provide some mathematical evidence for the existence of extra dimensions.

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