Are Physical Theories Dependent on the Extended Riemann Hypothesis?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the relationship between physical theories and the extended Riemann Hypothesis (ERH), exploring whether any physical theories are dependent on the validity of this mathematical conjecture. The scope includes theoretical implications in physics and mathematics, particularly in the context of abstract concepts used in modern physics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Debate/contested, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions if any physical theories rely on the ERH, noting the increasing abstraction in modern physics.
  • Another participant expresses skepticism, suggesting that number theory is primarily affected by the ERH and is distant from physics.
  • A different participant acknowledges the skepticism but mentions potential connections through lattices in particle physics and references to number theoretical relations found in hydrogen atoms.
  • Another participant points out that while the Riemann hypothesis may not be directly relevant, string theory has inspired mathematical advancements.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally express skepticism about a direct connection between the ERH and physical theories, but there are multiple competing views regarding potential indirect influences and connections.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note the complexity of the relationship between mathematics and physics, highlighting that certain mathematical concepts may not have clear applications in physical theories.

fresh_42
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I just thought about the critical concepts in mathematics and physics that arose in the last century: Goedel, Schroedinger, etc.

My question is: Are there any physical theories that rely on the validity of the extended Riemann Hypothesis?

I don't mean computer science, i.e. secure communications or encryption; pure physics. As modern physics depend more and more on some very abstract concepts, e.g. Kähler manifolds, de Sitter spaces and so on I asked myself whether the ERH slipped in somewhere.
 
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Off hand - I doubt it very much. Number theory seems to be the most affected subject, far from any physics.
 
mathman said:
Off hand - I doubt it very much. Number theory seems to be the most affected subject, far from any physics.
Yes, that has been my thoughts, too. But I've read about lattices playing a role in some models, I think in particle physics. At least a potential entry point. And a couple of days ago I've read a headline they had discovered number theoretical relations in an hydrogen atom, I think it was about π. And I cannot evaluate whether differential manifolds are completely off the hook.

These were the thoughts which made me post the question. And if so the toying with the idea that physics could contribute to a at its heart deeply mathematical problem.
 
I don't know about the Riemann hypothesis, but work on string theory certainly inspired mathematics and lead to advances there.
 

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