Do Gravitons Exist in the 4th Spatial Dimension?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the concept of gravitons existing in a hypothetical fourth spatial dimension, exploring theories related to higher dimensions, particularly in the context of gravity's relative weakness compared to other fundamental forces. Participants reference various theoretical frameworks, including string theory and Kaluza-Klein theories, while seeking further information and clarification.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks clarification on the theory of four spatial dimensions and gravitons, suggesting it could explain gravity's weakness.
  • Another participant relates the inquiry to string theory, noting that it posits multiple dimensions (up to 11) and suggests gravity may not be confined to the same dimensional constraints as other forces.
  • A reference is made to a Scientific American article discussing relevant theories, although its current availability is uncertain.
  • A participant mentions Kaluza-Klein theories as a potential framework, indicating they typically involve five dimensions and could relate to the discussion on gravity.
  • Large extra dimensions (LED) are proposed as another theoretical approach, suggesting that gravity could operate in additional dimensions not accessible to other forces, potentially addressing the hierarchy problem.
  • A suggestion is made to read Stephen Hawking's book, 'The Universe in a Nutshell,' which covers related topics in an accessible manner.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying degrees of familiarity with the theories discussed, and while some connections are made between concepts, there is no consensus on the existence of gravitons in a fourth spatial dimension or the validity of the theories mentioned.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference multiple theoretical frameworks without resolving the complexities or assumptions inherent in each. The discussion highlights the speculative nature of the ideas presented and the lack of definitive evidence supporting any single theory.

SmarterThanGod
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Can someone please explain to me or direct me to a website about the theory that there are 4 spatial dimensions, and that gravitons exist in the 4th one. I am now aware of this theory, and that this could explain why gravity is so weak. I find this really interesting, and would appreciate any help.
 
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I haven't heard of any theory of which you describe, however, it does sound very similar to what current flavor of string theory has to say. In string theory(s) there are many demensions(11 last time I looked) and it is theorized that unlike the 3 other fundamental forces, gravity was not bound to our 4 demensions.

The explanation of this according to my understanding of string theory is that our 4 dimensions make up of a plane in which strings(the smallest constituent particle of string theory) would attach to, so they were more like loops(with both ends firmly attached to the space occupied by our 4 dimensions) then O-shaped strings. Gravity is unlike the other forces and is a full string(not bound to our dimensional plane) and thus not bound to our dimension. If this is true, it would explain why gravity is so much weaker then other fundamental forces.

String theory is kinda out there but it does have a lot of mathematical evidence that suggests it COULD possibly be on the verge of some pretty amazing scientific break-throughs(or it could also be just one big waste of time, but such is the risk of science)
 
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There was an article on this in the February 2004 edition of the Scientific American. You might be able to check it out at their website at www.sciam.com

Edit: I just checked the website and it looks like they took it off already. It was a special report called 'Four Keys to the Cosmos'.
 
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Originally posted by SmarterThanGod
Can someone please explain to me or direct me to a website about the theory that there are 4 spatial dimensions, and that gravitons exist in the 4th one. I am now aware of this theory, and that this could explain why gravity is so weak. I find this really interesting, and would appreciate any help.

Most Kaluza-Klein theories of gravity are 5-dimensional, so that could be one possible candidate of what you're mentioning.

Alternatively, this could also be a theory of large extra dimensions (LED), which predicts that there are at least 2 extra sub-millimeter dimensions (i.e. not compactified) in which gravitation can travel but not the other forces. This is used to help explain the hierarchy problem between the fundamental forces. If correct, amongst other testable quantities we should expect to see deviations from Newtonian gravity at distance scales of a few micrometers.
 
Stephen Hawkins' book, 'The Universe in a nutshell' covers this topic and is a (fairly!) easy read. You may find it interesting. I certainly did!
 

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