Is there any specific name for a coffee cup handle in mathematics?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the mathematical terminology related to the handle of a coffee cup, particularly in the context of topology. Participants explore the geometric and topological properties of the coffee cup handle and its equivalence to various mathematical structures.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that the coffee cup handle is topologically equivalent to a torus.
  • Others suggest that it may be more accurately described as a solid torus, noting that a torus is formed as a cross product of two circles.
  • A participant questions the term "bend like structure," seeking clarification on its meaning in this context.
  • It is mentioned that the coffee cup handle can be referred to as a "handle" in topology, particularly when discussing its attachment to other spaces.
  • One participant introduces the concept of a 3-handle, explaining that attaching a 3-handle to a solid ball results in a torus.
  • There is a discussion about the triviality of the coffee cup handle when considered in isolation, with some participants expressing uncertainty about its significance without attachment to another structure.
  • A later reply emphasizes the difference between a hollow torus and a filled-in torus, noting their distinct topological properties.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the terminology and significance of the coffee cup handle in topology. There is no consensus on a specific name or the relevance of the handle when considered independently.

Contextual Notes

Some participants highlight that a solid handle by itself is contractible, which may limit its naming significance in mathematics. The discussion also touches on the topological implications of attaching handles to other spaces.

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is there any specific name for a coffee cup handle in mathematics?
 
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Torus
 


maybe a solid torus? a torus is technically a surface formed as a cross product of two circles.
 


sutupidmath said:
Torus

i think torus is wrong.. is there any name for a bend like structure?
 


? What do you mean by a "bend like structure". A coffee cup handle and, indeed, the entire coffee cup is topologically equivalent to a "solid" torus.
 


This is way out of my comfort zone, but aren't the structures described by the OP sometimes called handles? Such as here.
 


are we going in circles? that's what the OP said.
 


Yep! Sometimes we call a handle a handle!
 


i'm curious about the context of the question. a solid handle by itself is contractible and so mathematicians wouldn't bother giving it a name. but we often refer to "handles" when we are attaching them to other spaces. a coffee cup handle would be a 3-handle...if you attached a 3-handle to a solid ball you get a torus. in this context it makes sense to name the "handle". but i would say in general, the coffee cup handle is trivial. anyone agree?
 
  • #10


Well, if it is not attached to something, in what sense is it a "handle"?
 
  • #11


redbowlover said:
i'm curious about the context of the question. a solid handle by itself is contractible and so mathematicians wouldn't bother giving it a name. but we often refer to "handles" when we are attaching them to other spaces. a coffee cup handle would be a 3-handle...if you attached a 3-handle to a solid ball you get a torus. in this context it makes sense to name the "handle". but i would say in general, the coffee cup handle is trivial. anyone agree?

as mentioned above, technically the torus is 'hollow' the 'filled in' torus you describe is different topologically than S^1\times S^1 in that its fundamental group is just Z instead of ZxZ.
 

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