Could it just be 4 different dimensions not 11?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the dimensionality of theories in physics, particularly focusing on the number of dimensions proposed in string theory and M-theory. Participants explore the implications of having 10 versus 11 dimensions and question the necessity of these dimensions in addressing problems related to the universe and possible universes.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question what problems are specifically solved by the theory of 11 dimensions compared to the 1-4 dimensions proposed in other theories.
  • Others argue that the ten dimensions in string theory are necessary for the consistency of the theory, as different dimensions could lead to inconsistencies such as negative norm states or tachyons.
  • There is uncertainty about the number of theories being referenced, with mentions of seven different theories, including five string theories, supergravity, and M-theory.
  • Some participants express confusion about the dimensionality of M-theory and superstring theory, indicating a lack of clarity on the subject.
  • One participant suggests that having different dimensions does not imply new theories for each dimension but rather that various existing theories utilize different dimensional frameworks.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the necessity or implications of having 10 versus 11 dimensions, and multiple competing views remain regarding the relevance of these dimensions in theoretical physics.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in understanding the specific questions answered by each theory, and the discussion reflects varying levels of familiarity with the subject matter among participants.

clm321
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what problems are solved by the theory of 11 different dimensions instead of just 1-4 proposed in the m theory and string theory
 
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I am not sure if I understand you correctly.

As far as I can see the ten dimensions of string theory are not there to solve a problem in the real world, but they are required for consistency of the theory itself. In any other dimension the theory would contain negative norm states / tachyons which are usually an indication that something went wrong in the quantization.

I am not sure if this carries over to M-theory.
 
ok well well why is it that there are 10 dimentions shown in the string theory instead of just 1-4 . and what i ment was what questions are answered about the univers/possible universes by the 7 different theorys?
 
clm321 said:
why is it that there are 10 dimentions shown in the string theory instead of just 1-4.
As I said, superstring theory is inconsistent in D<>10.

clm321 said:
what questions are answered about the univers/possible universes by the 7 different theorys?
Which 7 theories? 5 string theories, supergravity plus m-theory? This is a rather global question ...
 
well I am still studying these theories iv only found and interest in this just recently but isn't it the m theory that has 11 different dimentions or maybe superstring theory I am not exacly sure
 
clm321 said:
Well, I am still studying these theories ... I've only found ... and interest in this just recently ... but isn't it M-theory that has 11 [different] dimensions, or maybe superstring theory. I am not exacly sure.

Please!
 
I'm sorry english and grammar have never been what i was good at.
 
There is a forum similar to PF called "Migui foro" in Spanish. I can not tell about other languages, but sure people can suggest. Same with reading, it is a pity that most of the documentation about advanced physics is in English.
 
oh well its niot that i don't speak english its that I am 17 and don't really try very hard to make sure my grammar is correct
 
  • #10
Ah, I c. Well my suggestion is that you can browse a little bit here and there in this forum to grasp what do they mean with "dimensions". Of course having a 3rd, 4th, or 21th dimension is not to say that we have new theories for each of them. What it happens is that we have some theories using 4 dimensions (eg General Relativity, special relativity, electromagnetism), some theories using 10 dimensions (superstring theory), some using 11 dimensions (supergravity, m-theory), some using 26...
 
  • #11
ok thanks that hepls a lot.
 

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