Dimensions vs Universes: Understanding the Distinction and Connection

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Higher dimensions and multiple universes are distinct concepts in theoretical physics. Higher dimensions can refer to spatial dimensions that exist outside our universe, which may help explain the universe's curvature, or to "curled-up" dimensions within the universe relevant to string theory. In contrast, multiple universes typically relate to the idea of our universe being one of many, potentially interacting with other "branes" or existing as different timelines in quantum theory. While higher dimensions may have no physical existence, some interpretations of multiple universes suggest they do. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for grasping the complexities of modern cosmology.
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I always here talk of there being multiple universes or there being higher dimensions. When people use these terms are they referring to the same thing? If not, what's the difference?
 
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thepopasmurf said:
I always here talk of there being multiple universes or there being higher dimensions. When people use these terms are they referring to the same thing? If not, what's the difference?

Hi thepopasmurf! :smile:

Higher dimensions refers to either

i] spatial dimensions "outside" the universe, to "explain" how the universe is curved (for example, "the universe is like the surface of a balloon, and the universe expands the same way as a balloon expands, through an extra dimension") … these have no physical existence

ii] spatial dimensions "outside" "our" universe, in which "our" universe is a "brane" floating around, and maybe sometimes hitting other universes … these (if they exist) do have physical existence

iii] spatial dimensions "inside" the universe … these are "curled-up" dimensions, too small to see, in whch the strings of string theory vibrate :smile:

Multiple universes either refers to ii] above, or to some weird quantum theory idea which is basically like "different time-lines" in science fiction (but respectable! :wink:)
 
The formal paper is here. The Rutgers University news has published a story about an image being closely examined at their New Brunswick campus. Here is an excerpt: Computer modeling of the gravitational lens by Keeton and Eid showed that the four visible foreground galaxies causing the gravitational bending couldn’t explain the details of the five-image pattern. Only with the addition of a large, invisible mass, in this case, a dark matter halo, could the model match the observations...

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