A quick question from a layman about folding space time

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the concept of folding space-time and its implications, particularly in relation to wormholes. Participants clarify that folding space-time is a theoretical representation, not a physical action, and that it serves to illustrate connections between distant points in the universe. The consequences of creating a hole in this folded space-time involve changing its topology, which could complicate navigation between points. Overall, the consensus is that folding space-time does not inherently lead to negative consequences, but altering its structure could introduce complexities.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts, particularly general relativity.
  • Familiarity with the concept of wormholes and their theoretical implications.
  • Knowledge of topology and its relevance in physics.
  • Basic grasp of singularities and black holes.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the concept of "wormholes" and their theoretical frameworks.
  • Study the principles of topology in relation to space-time geometry.
  • Explore the implications of singularities in black hole physics.
  • Investigate conformal symmetry and its role in theoretical physics.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics enthusiasts, students of theoretical physics, and anyone interested in the complexities of space-time and its implications in modern physics.

Kargo
Messages
3
Reaction score
0
I was just doing some thinking about the folding of space time. I have seen a demonstration that a piece of paper is folded in two and a hole is poked through the two layers. Are there any negative consequences and if so what are the consequences of folding space time, and what are the consequences of poking a hole in it? Forgive me for my ignorance in physics, but when I have a question I found that it is best to go to the most qualified source for the answer. I am not, by any means, a physicist. Thank you ahead of time for your thoughts and hypothesis.
 
Astronomy news on Phys.org
Hello Kargo! Welcome to PF! :smile:
Kargo said:
I have seen a demonstration that a piece of paper is folded in two and a hole is poked through the two layers.
Are there any negative consequences and if so what are the consequences of folding space time, and what are the consequences of poking a hole in it?

Yes, that's the standard picture of a "wormhole" …

a short-cut between two points in space which are a long distance apart.

Some people speculate that when a black hole is formed, and things literally disappear into the singularity, they reappear somewhere else in the universe in a sort of "white hole".

But nothing is folded … the diagram shows the space folded only so as to get it all on the same page! :biggrin:

Google "wormhole", and you'll find loads of information! :wink:​
 
I don't get the question that much...
putting a hole in the folded one, means that you change the topology of it.

what also do you mean what's the consequences of folding it? Nothing really. The folding happens over a symmetry (eg conformal symmetry), so either you work on the 1st or the 2nd space, you can go between each other without a problem. Now if you change/drop out pieces of one of the space, then I am not sure if you can go back to your initial without a problem (what about the points around the holes? you can't find a neighborhood around them that can be mapped in a neighborhood of the other). If someone can correct my idea if it's wrong...
 
tiny-tim said:
Hello Kargo! Welcome to PF! :smile:


Yes, that's the standard picture of a "wormhole" …

a short-cut between two points in space which are a long distance apart.

Some people speculate that when a black hole is formed, and things literally disappear into the singularity, they reappear somewhere else in the universe in a sort of "white hole".

But nothing is folded … the diagram shows the space folded only so as to get it all on the same page! :biggrin:
Google "wormhole", and you'll find loads of information! :wink:​


Thanks Tim for clearing up the whole folding thing, I will google wormhole.
 
ChrisVer said:
I don't get the question that much...
putting a hole in the folded one, means that you change the topology of it.

what also do you mean what's the consequences of folding it? Nothing really. The folding happens over a symmetry (eg conformal symmetry), so either you work on the 1st or the 2nd space, you can go between each other without a problem. Now if you change/drop out pieces of one of the space, then I am not sure if you can go back to your initial without a problem (what about the points around the holes? you can't find a neighborhood around them that can be mapped in a neighborhood of the other). If someone can correct my idea if it's wrong...

I apologize for my ignorance on this subject. What I was trying to find out is what if any catastrophic effect might happen?
 

Similar threads

High School Questions about relative Space-Time in the Universe
  • · Replies 24 ·
Replies
24
Views
3K
Undergrad About quantum interference: space and time
  • · Replies 30 ·
2
Replies
30
Views
3K
High School Relativity and Biological Aging: How Time Dilation Slows Cell Activity
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
Why the explanation of wormholes using paper grinds my gears
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
5K
Question about strengths of Aluminum/Titanium Tubing for a White Cane
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
2K
Undergrad "Exploring Time Perception Across Different Regions of Space"
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
2K
I have been told space and time are illusions. What does that mean?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Undergrad The initial density of an object and its compression into a black hole
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
5K
Space-Time & Matter: Explaining the Difference
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Could the kinetic energy of space junk be recycled?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K