Can Spacetime be Torn According to Quantum Theory of Gravity?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of whether spacetime can be torn, particularly in the context of quantum theories of gravity and string theory. Participants explore implications of such a tear and the nature of spacetime as described by various theories.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question if spacetime can be torn, suggesting that this may only be possible under certain theoretical frameworks like string theory.
  • Others argue that spacetime cannot be "torn" regardless of the theoretical approach taken.
  • A participant references a documentary and discusses the concept of wormholes, suggesting that creating one would require ripping spacetime, which they claim is impossible according to Einstein's laws.
  • There is a mention of string theory potentially offering a new perspective on spacetime, implying that it could allow for rips or tears in the fabric of space.
  • Some participants express skepticism about the notion of spacetime as a "fabric," with one noting that Einstein's terminology may have led to misconceptions.
  • There is a discussion about the translation of terms from German, questioning whether "fabric" might be a mistranslation of "Stoff," which could mean "structure."
  • Participants correct each other regarding beliefs about spacetime and clarify misunderstandings about who holds which position in the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on whether spacetime can be torn. Multiple competing views remain, with some asserting it is impossible and others suggesting theoretical frameworks that might allow for such phenomena.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the ambiguity in the terminology used to describe spacetime and the potential for misunderstandings stemming from translations and interpretations of foundational theories.

singularity18
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Would, assuming a quantum theory of gravity, space time be able to be torn. Or is this only possible withe the assumption of string theory? If such a tear were possible what implications would it have on the universe?
 
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Spacetime isn't something that can be "torn". It doesn't matter which theory you use.
 
Looks like I recalled correctly. This is the second time in recent days I'm encountering this question and it reminded me of something I heard in a documentary. It seems you can blame Brian Greene for this.
But there's a hitch: to create a wormhole, you've got to rip or tear a hole in the fabric of space. But can the fabric of space really rip? Can this first step toward forming a wormhole actually happen? Well, you can't answer these questions on an empty stomach.
Unfortunately, according to Einstein's laws, this is impossible. They say that space can stretch and warp, but it cannot rip. Wormholes might exist somewhere fully formed, but you could not rip space to create a new one, over Manhattan or anywhere else. In other words, I can't take a wormhole to work.

But now string theory is giving us a whole new perspective on space, and it's showing us that Einstein wasn't always right. To see how, let's take a much closer look at the spatial fabric.

If we could shrink down to about a millionth of a billionth of our normal size, we'd enter the world of quantum mechanics, the laws that control how atoms behave. It's the world of light and electricity and everything else that operates at the smallest of scales. Here, the fabric of space is random and chaotic. Rips and tears might be commonplace. But if they were, what would stop a rip in the fabric of space from creating a cosmic catastrophe?

Well, this is where the power of strings comes in. Strings calm the chaos. And as a single string dances through space, it sweeps out a tube. The tube can act like a bubble that surrounds the tear, a protective shield with profound implications. Strings actually make it possible for space to rip.

Source
 
ShayanJ said:
It seems you can blame Brian Greene for this.
And for many other misconceptions that we have to debunk over and over here on PF.
 
singularity18 said:
space time be able to be torn
Einstein made a very unfortunate statement that there is a spacetime "fabric", as though it is a "thing" that can be warped, stretched, etc. As @Nugatory has pointed out, it is no such thing.
 
phinds said:
Einstein made a very unfortunate statement that there is a spacetime "fabric"
I am not familiar with this source, but couldn't it be just a wrong translation: the German "Stoff" could also mean "structure".
 
Hill said:
I am not familiar with this source, but couldn't it be just a wrong translation: the German "Stoff" could also mean "structure".
If so, it would not make your belief that spacetime can be "torn" any less incorrect.
 
phinds said:
If so, it would not make your belief that spacetime can be "torn" any less incorrect.
I don't think @Hill does believe that - you may be mixing him up with either singularity18 (the OP) or paddyc (who necro'd this 2016 thread).

The idea that "fabric" is a mistranslation is an interesting one. I wonder if anyone knows an original reference for "fabric"?
 
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Ibix said:
I don't think @Hill does believe that - you may be mixing him up with either singularity18 (the OP) or paddyc (who necro'd this 2016 thread).
OOPS. Thanks for that correction.
 
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Ibix said:
paddyc (who necro'd this 2016 thread)
Looks like his post was shoved into a rip in spacetime which was then closed up behind it. :wink:
 
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  • #11
jtbell said:
Looks like his post was shoved into a rip in spacetime which was then closed up behind it. :wink:
Yep, that’s on me. I was performing a routine postectomy, looks like I left a sponge behind when I sutured things up.
 
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