Dimensions and information content

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the potential differences in information content between three-dimensional and four-dimensional spaces, particularly in the context of information theory and its implications for quantum mechanics. Participants explore theoretical frameworks and mathematical considerations related to these dimensions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the difference in potential information content between 3D and 4D spaces, suggesting a connection to information theory.
  • Another proposes a calculation method based on the area of surfaces and the Planck area, referencing the holographic principle to illustrate their point.
  • A participant expresses difficulty with the mathematical calculations but seeks a sense of the scale of the information content in exponential terms.
  • One participant shares a theory positing that quantum "weirdness" arises from matter and radiation existing as waves in 4D space-time, which manifest as particles in 3D due to magnetic forces, leading to a loss of information during this transition.
  • This participant suggests that this loss of information could explain quantum indeterminacy and aligns with both Einstein's and Bohr's perspectives on quantum mechanics, though they highlight the limitations of accessing lost information from a 3D viewpoint.
  • Another participant expresses a desire for assistance with the original question posed in the thread.
  • One participant shares a link to a resource they believe may be relevant to the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express various viewpoints on the implications of dimensionality on information content and quantum mechanics, with no consensus reached on the interpretations or calculations presented. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specific differences in information content and the implications of these theories.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about the relationship between dimensions and information content, as well as the implications for quantum mechanics, which are not fully explored or resolved. Mathematical steps and definitions are not clarified, leaving some aspects open to interpretation.

josephwouk
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I am wondering if anyone here conversant with information theory could tell me what the difference is in potential information content between 3 dimensions and 4 dimensions.
 
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Assuming that the information content of a surface is A/A_p bits, where A is the area in question and Ap is the Planck area, you can calculate how many independent 2D slices of thickness lp ( Planck length) you can make in a space of N dimensions, and get a ratio of the information content.

This is the sort thing I was thinking of

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holographic_principle

http://www.damtp.cam.ac.uk/research/gr/public/holo/
 
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That makes sense to me. I'm unfortunately not capable of doing the required mathematical calculations. It will clearly be an enormousness figure, however. Can you give me a sense of how large in exponential function it should be?
 
The reason this issue is important to me is that I am working on a theory that explains quantum "weirdness" as being a direct consequence of matter and radiation existing purely as waves in the 4 dimensions of space-time.

We experience these waves as "particles" when they are forced to manifest themselves in the 3 dimensional subset of space-time which we inhabit, which is created by the limitations set by the force of magnetism.

Quantum indeterminacy would thus directly result from the loss of information that occurs when the waves are thus shifted from 3 to 4 dimensions. The information is necessarily lost in this shift and is not capable of being calculated.

This would mean that Einstein was correct in his assertion that there was a "hidden variable" that could explain quantum behavior, beyond simple randomness.

However it would also mean that Bohr was correct in asserting that quantum mechanics was complete, because from our 3 dimensional perspective there is no possible way we could ever access the information lost in the transition from 4 to 3 dimensions.
 
Can nobody here in the forum give me any help on this question?
 
josephwouk said:
The reason this issue is important to me is that I am working on a theory that explains quantum "weirdness" as being a direct consequence of matter and radiation existing purely as waves in the 4 dimensions of space-time.

We experience these waves as "particles" when they are forced to manifest themselves in the 3 dimensional subset of space-time which we inhabit, which is created by the limitations set by the force of magnetism.

Quantum indeterminacy would thus directly result from the loss of information that occurs when the waves are thus shifted from 3 to 4 dimensions. The information is necessarily lost in this shift and is not capable of being calculated.

This would mean that Einstein was correct in his assertion that there was a "hidden variable" that could explain quantum behavior, beyond simple randomness.

However it would also mean that Bohr was correct in asserting that quantum mechanics was complete, because from our 3 dimensional perspective there is no possible way we could ever access the information lost in the transition from 4 to 3 dimensions.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/3642019528/?tag=pfamazon01-20
might possibly interest you.
 
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