Different metrics in different dimensions

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the possibility of utilizing different metrics within subspaces of R_n, specifically questioning whether R_1 X R_2 can adopt a distinct metric, such as taxicab geometry, compared to R_3 X R_4, which may follow Euclidean geometry. Participants confirm that constructing direct products of various topological spaces is feasible, leading to diverse dimensional structures. The conversation also touches on the implications of phase spaces in physics, emphasizing the importance of defining metrics based on their intended applications.

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  • Understanding of R_n spaces and their properties
  • Familiarity with different types of metrics, including taxicab and Euclidean geometry
  • Basic knowledge of topological spaces and direct products
  • Concepts of phase spaces in physics and their significance
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Given a space in R_n = R_1 X R_2 X R_3 X R_4 ... can the metric for the R_1 x R_2 subspace be different from the metric for the R_3 X R_4 subspace?
I'm trying to get a handle on how general a space in R_n can be. Part of my motivation is the curled up dimensions physicists talk about. How does one dimension work differently than another dimension? Can one part of the dimensional structure follow one metric and another part follow a different metric?

I rather think it should be possible. That raises questions about the combinations of subspaces. Can R_1 X R_2 be different (say, taxicab geometry) from R_1 X R_3 (say, Euclidean) as long as R_1 X R_3 is consistent (um, somewhere in between maybe)?

Sorry if this is worded poorly, and if it's in an inappropriate folder. And how does one access the proper notation symbols?

Thanks.
 
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Bob3141592 said:
Summary: Given a space in R_n = R_1 X R_2 X R_3 X R_4 ... can the metric for the R_1 x R_2 subspace be different from the metric for the R_3 X R_4 subspace?

I'm trying to get a handle on how general a space in R_n can be. Part of my motivation is the curled up dimensions physicists talk about. How does one dimension work differently than another dimension? Can one part of the dimensional structure follow one metric and another part follow a different metric?
Sure. You can build direct products of different topological spaces.
I rather think it should be possible. That raises questions about the combinations of subspaces. Can R_1 X R_2 be different (say, taxicab geometry) from R_1 X R_3 (say, Euclidean) as long as R_1 X R_3 is consistent (um, somewhere in between maybe)?

Sorry if this is worded poorly, and if it's in an inappropriate folder. And how does one access the proper notation symbols?

Thanks.
Phase spaces are considered In stochastic and physics which cover all possible states, i.e. their description. This leads to different dimensions in the components and thus different units and scales.

The actual question is not whether it can be defined rather what should it be good for, i.e. what do you want to do?
 
Bob3141592 said:
Summary: Given a space in R_n = R_1 X R_2 X R_3 X R_4 ... can the metric for the R_1 x R_2 subspace be different from the metric for the R_3 X R_4 subspace?
One example would be the four dimensional space-time we live in. You can pick out a two dimensional space-like slice using x and y coordinates and you can pick out an orthogonal two dimensional Minkowski slice using z and t coordinates.
 

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