A quick question from a layman about folding space time

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of folding space-time and the implications of creating holes within it. Participants explore theoretical aspects related to wormholes, topology changes, and potential consequences of such actions, addressing both conceptual and speculative elements.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes a demonstration of folding paper to illustrate the concept of space-time folding and questions the negative consequences of such an action.
  • Another participant suggests that the folding of space-time is often represented in diagrams for simplicity and refers to the concept of wormholes as shortcuts between distant points in space.
  • A different participant raises concerns about changing the topology of space-time when a hole is introduced, questioning the implications of such changes on the ability to navigate between different states of space.
  • There is a mention of speculative ideas regarding black holes and the potential for matter to reappear elsewhere in the universe, likened to a "white hole," but this remains a point of speculation rather than established fact.
  • One participant expresses confusion about the original question and seeks clarification on the catastrophic effects that might arise from folding space-time or creating holes.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying levels of understanding and interpretation of the concepts discussed, with some agreeing on the speculative nature of wormholes while others challenge the implications of topology changes. The discussion does not reach a consensus on the consequences of folding space-time or the introduction of holes.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge their varying levels of expertise, with some expressing uncertainty about the implications of their statements. The discussion includes assumptions about the nature of space-time and topology that remain unresolved.

Kargo
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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.
 
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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?
 

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