Dimensions that are not space dimensions nor time dimensions.

Dremmer

Can dimensions exist that are not space dimensions nor time dimensions? I was just curious.

DaveC426913

Well, I think those are the only two that describe our physical universe, yes.

However, depending on your definition of exist, there are an infinite number of mathematical dimensions and conceptual dimensions.

Studiot

Do you not also need mass, length charge and temperature to complete the currently acknowledged set?

edit to hasty in my list sorry.

rcgldr

It's a terminology issue. Some don't consider time to be a dimension either, since it doesn't share the same properties as spacial dimensions. The state of an object can include many aspects which aren't related to dimensions, such as it's color.

In math or programming, dimensions are abstract and not required to be related to spacial dimensions. For example, each field in a database could be considered a dimension and as an index into some huge tensor.

Dr Lots-o'watts

Any variable (number) can be said to be a "dimension". That's loosely the mathematical and true meaning of the word "dimension".

In physics, it's just often assumed that "dimension" is short for "spatial dimension". This is not really a correct way to use the word.

Danger

As far as I know, spacetime is considered to consist of something like 11 or 12 dimensions. Since I am physically capable of experiencing only 4 of them, the rest just don't matter to me.

Christov84

We all fall into this special recognition of experience...trap.

One theory is the 5th dimension is all possibilities that occur in your 4th dimension. Specially you can kind of visualize that but tbh i think its a bit far off the real fabric of existance

Danger

I love their music, but have never considered them a source of physics training.
Actually, I agree with you. I am not capable of experiencing more than the basic 4 dimensions, but that doesn't mean that I don't believe in others. My contention is that since a human brain is a 4-dimensional object, it is inherently incapable of "visualizing" other dimensions. That might not be correct, but I've never seen any evidence to the contrary.

DaveC426913

You may well be experiencing them every waking moment, they may just be below the threshold of your macroscopic senses. Everytime you wave your arms, it may be passing through a half dozen of these tiny-curled up dimensions but the effect is too small for you to notice.

Danger

That's a damned good point, Dave; one which never crossed my mind before. I might inadvertently influence something that I am unaware of.
Now I have to wonder if I'm killing someone every time that I fart.

DaveC426913

There was a doubt?

Danger

Renaatier

Yes. Theoretically, there can be dimensions that we cannot perceive, but can still affect us. Take this for example: Suppose we existed in a 2 dimensional world, and we had no concept of up or down. In essence, our universe would be a flat disk in which everything existed on its surface. Now suppose that the disk was moving in the 3rd dimension through some medium--that is, it was moving up or down. Such an act could cause forces that we would only perceive in two dimensions and could not explain.

That in mind, it is possible there's a 4th spatial dimension. Who's to say our universe is not hurtling through space along some imperceivable axis?

nickthrop101

When you use the example of a 2 dimensional world floating in a 3 dimensional medium, the 3rd dimension is of space and so does not explain the question :D

ZapperZ

Besides the fact that this thread is several months old before it got revived, there is a potential that it is going to meander into highly-speculative areas. I will remind everyone of the PF Rules that you had agreed to, especially on speculative posts. Do NOT post your personal opinion if it isn't already published, or backed by published papers (you should know what we mean by "published" from the Rules).

Zz.