Is There a Smooth Map from S^n to the Equator E of S^n for n ≥ 2?

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In summary, the conversation discusses the existence of a smooth map f from the n-sphere to its equator E, such that the restriction of f to E is a diffeomorphism. This leads to a question about using homology theory to prove that there is no retraction from the n-disk to its boundary. The conversation then presents a hypothetical function g, which is the restriction of f to the northern hemisphere, and h, the restriction of g to E. It is shown that if h is a diffeomorphism, it would lead to an absurdity in the commutative diagram of (n-1)-degree homology.
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TFT
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For [tex]n\geq 2[/tex], is there a smooth map [tex]f: S^n\rightarrow E[/tex] ([tex]E[/tex] is the equator of [tex]S^n[/tex]) which has the property that the restriction of [tex]f[/tex] to [tex]E[/tex] is a diffeomorphism from [tex]E[/tex] to [tex]E[/tex]?
 
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  • #2
Do you know how to prove using homology theory that there is no retraction from the n-disk to its boundary? It is the same here:

Suppose such a function f exists. Call g the restriction of f to the northern hemisphere of S^n which we will regard as the n-disk D^n. Call h the restriction of g to E. By hypothese, h is a diffeo and so has degree ±1. The following diagram commute:

D^n<---E
|...|
|g...| h
|...|
E<-------|

that is, g o i = h where i is the inclusion of E in D^n. Passing to the realm of (n-1)-degree homology, the above diagram becomes the following comutative diagram

0<------Z
|...|
|...| ±1
|...|
Z<-------|

which is absurd.
 
  • #3
Thanks a lot!
 

1. What is an N-sphere?

An N-sphere is a geometric shape that exists in N-dimensional space. It is a generalization of a sphere in three-dimensional space, where N represents the number of dimensions. In simpler terms, an N-sphere is a hypersphere that exists in a space with more than three dimensions.

2. How is an N-sphere different from a regular sphere?

An N-sphere has N dimensions, while a regular sphere has only three dimensions. This means that an N-sphere has a larger number of possible directions or coordinates to move in, making it a more complex and abstract shape than a regular sphere.

3. What is an equator of an N-sphere?

The equator of an N-sphere is the set of points that lie on the surface of the N-sphere and are equidistant from the two poles. It is similar to the equator of a regular sphere, which is the imaginary line that divides the sphere into two equal halves.

4. How can we visualize an N-sphere?

It is difficult to visualize an N-sphere in our three-dimensional world. However, we can use mathematical equations and computer-generated graphics to represent and understand its properties and characteristics.

5. What are the applications of N-spheres?

N-spheres have applications in various fields such as mathematics, physics, and computer science. They are used in higher-dimensional geometry, string theory, and simulation of multi-dimensional spaces. They also have practical applications in data analysis and compression algorithms.

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