Questions about Vsauce's Banach-Tarski video

In summary, the conversation discusses a video on the Banach-Tarski Paradox from the YouTube channel Vsauce. The first question is about the validity of constructing the hyperwebster in a specific order, and whether it is necessary to follow a certain pattern to ensure every sequence of letters corresponds to a well-defined position. The second question addresses the proof for using arccos(1/3) as the angle of rotation to avoid two sequences of rotations from a given starting point ending up at the same point. The third question raises confusion about the construction of the second sphere and suggests an alternative approach. The conversation also speculates on the motivation behind the choices made in the video.
  • #1
greypilgrim
515
36
Hi,

I have some questions about the video about the Banach-Tarski Paradox from the YouTube channel Vsauce:

10:09: Is this really a valid way of constructing the hyperwebster? In this order, one will never get past sequences of only "A". Shouldn't one follow an order like A, ... ,Z, AA, ... , AZ, BA, ..., BZ , ... to make sure that every sequence of letters corresponds to a well-defined position in the hyperwebster?
The same problem occurs later when he writes down the sequences of rotations, he starts with L, LL, LLL, ...

11:49: It's only shown very briefly and not explained or proven at all that using arccos(1/3) as angle of rotation makes sure that no two sequences of rotations from a given starting point end up at the same point (except poles). How can we prove this?

17:08: I find the construction of the second sphere quite confusing and don't quite see why he doesn't go with the same idea as for the first sphere. Couldn't he just rotate the "up" piece down, creating starting points, "up", "left" and "right" pieces and just combine them with the "down"-piece and then fill in the center point and poles as he explains later (or choose a countable number of points from the now left over starting points piece to fill the poles). Then he would end up two spheres AND a left over piece of starting points.
Or does he just want to use all pieces for the sake of elegance?
 
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  • #2
Anyone?
 

1. What is the Banach-Tarski Paradox?

The Banach-Tarski Paradox is a mathematical theorem that states a solid sphere can be divided into a finite number of pieces, and then rearranged to form two identical copies of the original sphere, each with the same volume as the original.

2. Is the Banach-Tarski Paradox possible in the physical world?

No, the Banach-Tarski Paradox is a mathematical concept and cannot be replicated in the physical world. It relies on the concept of infinitesimals, which do not exist in the physical world.

3. How does the Banach-Tarski Paradox relate to infinity?

The Banach-Tarski Paradox demonstrates the counterintuitive properties of infinity. It shows that even though two objects may seem to have the same size or volume, they can still contain an infinite amount of different points.

4. What implications does the Banach-Tarski Paradox have on our understanding of reality?

The Banach-Tarski Paradox challenges our intuition and understanding of space and volume. It shows that mathematical concepts and theories can have implications on our understanding of the physical world.

5. Can the Banach-Tarski Paradox be applied to other shapes besides a sphere?

Yes, the Banach-Tarski Paradox can be applied to other shapes, such as cubes or other geometric figures. However, the concept is most commonly demonstrated with a sphere due to its symmetry and simplicity.

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