Is spacetime in string theory 4D or 12D?

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SUMMARY

Spacetime in string theory is primarily considered to be 10D, as per superstring theory, which includes 9 spatial dimensions and 1 time dimension. M-theory extends this to 11D, comprising 10 spatial dimensions and 1 time dimension, while F-theory posits a 12D framework. The compactification of additional dimensions is a key concept, with the extra dimensions being compact and small, although the exact nature of these dimensions remains uncertain. The discussion highlights the relationship between these theories and their dimensional frameworks.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of superstring theory and its 10D framework
  • Familiarity with M-theory and its 11D structure
  • Knowledge of compactification in theoretical physics
  • Basic grasp of E8 gauge theory in higher dimensions
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of compactification in string theory
  • Explore the implications of M-theory in 11D spacetime
  • Study F-theory and its 12D dimensional framework
  • Investigate E8 gauge theory and its relevance to higher-dimensional theories
USEFUL FOR

Theoretical physicists, cosmologists, and students of advanced physics interested in the dimensional aspects of string theory and its implications for our understanding of spacetime.

ensabah6
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Spacetime is 3D + 1T = 4D

Is spacetime in string theory 4D as a result of compactification, or 12D, 11D+1T?
 
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No one really knows how many dimensions m-theory has. The highest dimensional low energy limit is 11d (10 +1T) supergravity, the other 5 being the superstring theories in 10D (9+1T). There is a higher dimensional version of it,"E8 gauge theory", in 12D (11+1). I don't anything about it, but I am trying.
 
ensabah6 said:
Is spacetime in string theory 4D as a result of compactification, or 12D, 11D+1T?

In superstring theory (the "usual" string theory) spacetime must be 10D, so we have to consider the extra six dimensions as being compact and small. Any other reason why they "should" be like this is unknown. M-theory is 11D and F-theory is 12D; these are not string theories, but are related to them by some compactifications to 10D.
 

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