What is 3 dimensions: Definition and 68 Discussions

Three-dimensional space (also: 3D space, 3-space or, rarely, tri-dimensional space) is a geometric setting in which three values (called parameters) are required to determine the position of an element (i.e., point). This is the informal meaning of the term dimension.
In mathematics, a sequence of n numbers can be understood as a location in n-dimensional space. When n = 3, the set of all such locations is called three-dimensional Euclidean space (or simply Euclidean space when the context is clear). It is commonly represented by the symbol ℝ3. This serves as a three-parameter model of the physical universe (that is, the spatial part, without considering time), in which all known matter exists. While this space remains the most compelling and useful way to model the world as it is experienced, it is only one example of a large variety of spaces in three dimensions called 3-manifolds. In this classical example, when the three values refer to measurements in different directions (coordinates), any three directions can be chosen, provided that vectors in these directions do not all lie in the same 2-space (plane). Furthermore, in this case, these three values can be labeled by any combination of three chosen from the terms width, height, depth, and length.

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  1. C

    Midpoint in 3 Dimensions Question (EASY)

    Homework Statement http://carlodm.com/calc/123.png My question is: Why can't we use a scalar multiple like (3/8) PQ instead of using the midpoint formula twice (to get 3/8) ?
  2. R

    Distance Formula in 3 Dimensions

    Is it possible to change: _______ distance = \/X2 + Y2 To: _______________ distance = \/X^2 + Y^2 + Z^2 And get the distance between a point in 3 dimensional space and a the point of origin, just as the first equation does in 2 dimensional space...
  3. J

    Sphere rolling inside cylinder - 3 dimensions

    Homework Statement A sphere of radius r and mass m rolls without slipping inside a hollow cylinder of radius R. z direction goes along axis of cylinder. Determine the Lagrangian with motion in the z direction included Homework Equations I let θ be the angle of the sphere rotation...
  4. S

    Radius of Curvature in 3 Dimensions

    I have an equation for a curve that lies along the surface of a truncated cone. In polar coordinates: theta(r) = K * [ U + arctan(1/U) - (Pi/2) ] where: U = SQRT[ ((r/r1)^2) - 1 ] K = SQRT[ 1 + (H/(r2-r1))^2 ] r = r1 + (r2-r1)(z/H) r1 = minor radius of the truncated cone r2 =...
  5. D

    Green's Theorem in 3 dimensions problem

    Homework Statement Evaluate: \int _C{xydx - yzdy + xzdz} C: \vec{r}(t) = t\vec{i} + t^2\vec{j} + t^4\vec{k} o <= t <= 1 Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution I understand that you cannot use Green's Theorem in 3 dimensions. How else can I go about solving this?
  6. O

    Coulombs Law, 3 charges 3 dimensions.

    Homework Statement Homework Equations Fe = (kq1q2)/r^2 The Attempt at a Solution So for part A and B what is the best way to go about doing this? Could I find the distance between the charges and just use coulombs formula?
  7. M

    Calculating the Gauss Curvature of a Surface with Curves in 3 Dimensions

    This is my last annoying post here, probably. :) Homework Statement I have a curve \alpha: I \rightarrow \Re^3 parametrized by arclength. \kappa(t) \neq 0 for all I. Given the surface \psi (s,t) = \alpha (t) + (s-t) v(t), where v(t) = \frac{d \alpha}{dt}, t is in I, and s > t, I want to...
  8. T

    Exploring Variables and Simplifying Problems in 3 Dimensions

    1. Variables Given a generalized basis in three dimensions: e_{1},e_{2},e_{3} and the standard Kronecker delta \delta_{ij}, and using Einstein summation. With the vector \textbf{x},\textbf{y},\textbf{z} I'm trying to simplify this problem: 2. Problem \delta_{il} . \delta_{jm} . x_{j} 3. My...
  9. V

    Calculating Shear Strain in 3 Dimensions

    http://folk.ntnu.no/stoylen/strainrate/mathemathics/ This page shows how to find shear strain in three dimensions. I understand how they found the shear strains as x and y components from dividing the change in length by the original length. But from the line "From the figure, it is...
  10. D

    Calc based- motion in 2 and 3 dimensions

    Homework Statement A train at a constant 79.0 km/h moves east for 25 min, then in a direction 37.0° east of due north for 18.0 min, and then west for 54.0 min. What are the (a) magnitude (in km/h) and (b) angle (relative to north, with east of north positive and west of north negative) of its...
  11. C

    Vector components in the 3 dimensions

    Given F = (-20i + 50j = 10k) 1. The component of the foce projected along the pole AO. 2. The magnitude of the projected component of the F along the pole AO. I have no idea where to begin, I think I need to find the angles but I'm not sure how in three dimensions. (please excuse...
  12. D

    Intersection of Two Coplanar Lines in 3 Dimensions

    Homework Statement Two lines in space are in the same plane. Line AB passes through points A(x,y,z) and B(x,y,z), and line CD passes through points C(x,y,z) and D(x,y,z). Determine if these two lines are parallel. If they are not, determine the x,y,z coordinates where these two lines...
  13. J

    What do electromagnetic waves look like in 3 dimensions?

    What do electromagnetic waves look like in 3 dimensions? In my textbooks etc. they are always represented as the standard sine wave. But what about actual 3 dimensions? Are there waves with smaller wavelengths than gamma waves?
  14. M

    Dot product with 3 dimensions, confused on concept, easy question i think

    Hello everyone! I'm confused on what I'm suppose to do here, I think i might got it though but i need to make sure... Here is the problem and my work: http://show.imagehosting.us/show/764032/0/nouser_764/T0_-1_764032.jpg he let r(t) = f(t) i + g(t) j + h(t) k. So if i multiply this by...
  15. L

    Help Needed: Solving the N-Body Problem in 3 Dimensions

    i am attempting to find a solution for the n-body problem, but i don't know the equations for gravity in three dimensions. if someone could post them for me, i would be most appreciative. thank you also, any advice as to how to approach this problem would be appreciated as well
  16. DaveC426913

    3 dimensions and 90 degree angles

    I am not sure how to form a coherent question about this; I can't figure out how to phrase it: Why are our three dimensions all at 90 degrees to each other? Drat, I can't even form the question. I've been reading about extra dimensions, such as the further 6 postulated in string theory...
  17. P

    Did String Theory Revolutionize Our Understanding of the Universe?

    i understand the concept of dimensions until we get to 3 but having more than 3 dimensions is beyond me. anyone care to explain? thanks.
  18. Dissident Dan

    Exploring Higher Dimensions: Understanding 5, 6, 7, and 11 Dimensional Space

    I'm confused about what people mean by 5,6,7, and 11 dimensions. Are they referring to spatial dimension? Are they referring to different dimensions like time is a "dimension" in addition to space? If we're talking about spatial dimensions, how can you have more than 3? Spatial...
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