Number of Dimensions + Laws of Physics

[StevieTNZ]

Can the laws of physics work with any number of dimensions (whether they be space or time)?

That's what Lisa Randall claims, but am seeking clarity.

If so, does that mean Quantum Mechanics will still predict the same results in 5 or 6 dimensional universes, and the equations will stay the same?

 

[redherring]

I'm not able to provide you a definitive answer, but your question reminded me of this minutephysics video which briefly discusses the laws of physics in relation to dimensionality:

http://bit.ly/IKjnHR

 

[StevieTNZ]

Interesting video... but what happens to the force of gravity if there happens to be more than 3 dimensions (as is in String Theory)? The implications described in the video say it all.

 

[Dale]

Can the laws of physics work with any number of dimensions (whether they be space or time)?

That is an interesting question. The laws of physics are a bunch of mathematical equations together with a bunch of correspondence rules between the variables in the equations and experimentally measurable quantities. You can certainly write the mathematical equations in a form which is independent of the number of dimensions. But if you then do calculations with those equations in anything other than 3+1 dimensions I think you lose the correspondence rules since we have no experimental access to other dimensions. Once you lose those correspondences I am not sure that what is left should still be called a law of physics.

 

[pmacias]

I can provide some insight into this question. The concept of dimensions is a fundamental aspect of our understanding of the universe. The laws of physics, such as the laws of gravity and thermodynamics, are based on our observations and experiments in our three-dimensional world. However, it is possible to imagine and explore universes with different numbers of dimensions, such as string theory which suggests 10 or 11 dimensions.

According to Lisa Randall's theory of brane cosmology, the laws of physics are not restricted to three dimensions and can work with any number of dimensions. This means that the laws of physics could still apply in a universe with 5 or 6 dimensions. However, it is important to note that the specific equations and predictions of these laws may change in higher dimensions.

As for the role of quantum mechanics in higher dimensional universes, it is believed that the principles and concepts of quantum mechanics would still hold true. However, the equations and predictions may differ in higher dimensions. It is an area of ongoing research and exploration in the field of theoretical physics.

In summary, while the laws of physics may be able to work in higher dimensional universes according to some theories, the specific equations and predictions may vary. It is an area of ongoing study and further research is needed to fully understand the implications of different dimensions on the laws of physics.