Why do we assume that the other 6 dimensions that are curled up are spacial

  • Context: Graduate 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Jack
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Dimensions
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the nature of additional dimensions in theoretical physics, specifically questioning why the six extra dimensions in string theory are assumed to be spatial rather than temporal. Participants explore the implications of these assumptions within the frameworks of relativity and quantum mechanics.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question the assumption that the curled-up dimensions are spatial, proposing that they could potentially be dimensions of time.
  • Others argue that the necessity of spatial dimensions arises from the need to reconcile forces in a way that aligns with both relativity and quantum mechanics.
  • It is suggested that time dimensions operate differently than spatial ones, which may limit the possibility of all dimensions being temporal.
  • One participant highlights that the nature of strings and branes, which involve twisting and vibrating, necessitates the existence of spatial dimensions for these components.
  • A participant raises a question about the fundamental nature of time as a dimension, expressing uncertainty about why time is not considered spatial, referencing the space-time concept in relativity.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the nature of the additional dimensions, with no consensus reached on whether they should be classified as spatial or temporal.

Contextual Notes

Some arguments depend on the definitions of dimensions and the interpretations of theories like M-theory, which remain unresolved in the discussion.

Jack
Messages
107
Reaction score
0
Why do we assume that the other 6 dimensions that are curled up are spatial dimensions? Could they not be dimensions of time?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org


Originally posted by Jack
Why do we assume that the other 6 dimensions that are curled up are spatial dimensions? Could they not be dimensions of time?

The other spatial dimensions arise out of necessity when one wishes to explain all of the forces in a manner that pleases both Relativity and QM.

They couldn't all be temporal dimensions, because time dimensions work slightly differently than spatial ones, and the physics of higher dimensions (in such theories as M-theory) require the spatial kind of dimension.
 
plus these extra dimensions come from strings/branes twisting and vibrating and whatnot, so spatial dimensions are required for these "spatial" components.
 
wait ...why do we assume that time itself is a dimension...I know its because of the space-time notion in relativity...why don't we believe that time is spatial...I know its a common stupid question...so please try to control your words...thanks...
 

Similar threads

Undergrad Why do dimensions curl up or expand?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
Undergrad Experiments to check for extra dimensions
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
5K
High School How can a dimension be "curled up" and have a finite extent?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
4K
Graduate Why Does the Standard Model Use Six Dimensions for Probability Calculations?
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
3K
Graduate Max number of extra dimensions
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
5K
High School Can We Discover Multiple Time Dimensions Like Space?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Undergrad Trying To Conceptualize Two Dimensions Of Time
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
6K
Undergrad Black holes and extra dimensions
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Graduate Extra Dimensions: Are They Large or Tiny?
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
4K
High School Why does physics consider only 3 of 6 dimensions
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
3K