Do Chemical, Atomic, and Nuclear Reactions Occur in Three Spatial Dimensions?

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Char. Limit
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Discussion Overview

The discussion explores the dimensionality of chemical, atomic, and nuclear reactions, questioning why these processes are understood to occur in three spatial dimensions rather than in other dimensions, such as four or more. The conversation touches on theoretical implications and comparisons with quantum physics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the basis for assuming that reactions occur in three dimensions, suggesting the possibility of other dimensional frameworks.
  • Another participant notes a perceived discrepancy between the three-dimensional framework of chemistry and the higher-dimensional models used in quantum physics.
  • A participant expresses curiosity about the uniqueness of this line of questioning, indicating a sense of novelty in the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the dimensionality of reactions, with multiple competing views and questions remaining unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference different dimensional frameworks without clarifying the implications or definitions of these dimensions, leaving some assumptions unexamined.

Char. Limit
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How does one know that chemical, atomic, and nuclear reactions occur in three spatial dimensions?

Why not four, or two, or negative pi, or sixty-seven dimensions?

And yes, I know the last two are implausible.
 
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Just wanted to bring this up again...

I still don't get why chemistry uses the standard three dimensions while quantum physics uses 31 for example.
 
Cool thought.
 
Thanks, although I can't be the first weirdo to have thought of this... can I?
 

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