0th dimension and other dimensions

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of dimensions, particularly the nature of extra dimensions beyond the familiar three spatial dimensions and time. Participants explore the implications of these dimensions, their definitions, and the potential for their existence or non-existence based on mathematical frameworks.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that if extra dimensions are represented as overlapping spheres within our three dimensions, it raises questions about the existence of regions where only three dimensions exist.
  • Another participant argues that extra dimensions are independent directions and thus cannot overlap with the three familiar dimensions, challenging the initial analogy of spheres.
  • There is a suggestion that the information presented on a specific website may be misleading regarding the nature of dimensions.
  • One participant posits that the existence of extra dimensions can only be supported through mathematical reasoning, implying that they could potentially be disproven with sufficient calculations.
  • A later reply introduces the idea of spacetime as a continuum, suggesting that its granular structure may only become apparent at smaller scales, which could relate to the discussion of extra dimensions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the nature of extra dimensions, particularly regarding their relationship to the three spatial dimensions. There is no consensus on whether the analogy of overlapping spheres is valid or misleading, and the discussion remains unresolved regarding the implications of mathematical proof for the existence of these dimensions.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge the limitations of current understanding and the dependence on mathematical frameworks to discuss the existence of extra dimensions. The conversation highlights the complexity and uncertainty surrounding the definitions and implications of dimensions.

no gun
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hi :D
after reading up on 10 dimensions (and how more can be added any time we need them even though they might not exist) i found it interesting how it stated that 5-10 dimensions where located in the well known 3 dimensions we see every day (with the 4th dimension being time).

what i don't understand is that if these are spheres and they overlap so no gap is left between them (if a gap is left that means that these dimensions won't exist everywhere in which case maths which has built up around them will fail) then that means these spheres must overlap with our own 3 dimensions. If they overlap with our 3 dimensions wouldn't that just mean that they are our 3 dimensions and no more.

let me reword it incase it got a little confusing
we know our 3 dimensions quite well... inside our dimensions are other dimensions (spheres if u will which are made up of another 3 or so dimensions). let's say these spheres don't touch each other. does this mean that there are places where only 3 dimensions exist (not taking time into account)?

also how is there a 0th dimension?

thanks
 
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Extra dimensions wouldn't be located "in the well known 3 dimensions we see every day". An extra dimension is by definition a direction that is independent of the others. So there wouldn't be any overlapping spheres.

If you call an extra dimension "0th" or "5th" or even "Dave", is up to you. It just a convention.
 
no gun said:
so that means the site
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/elegant/dimensions.html
is misleading

and there's no way to prove these dimensions other than maths rite? so eventually they can be disproven with enough calculations


Why would this site be misleading ?

To us spacetime looks like a continuum. it is only when you probe to much smaller distance-scales that the "granular" structure of space time would become manifest. I am referring to quantized space time here but this also goes for these extra dimensions...

regards
marlon
 

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