Multiple Dimensions in Quantum Theories

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of expressing theories, specifically quantum field theory, in more than three dimensions. It is clarified that these dimensions are not physical spaces, but rather mathematical spaces with many dimensions. The idea of visualizing higher dimensions is also mentioned, with the suggestion to start by visualizing a higher number of dimensions and then scaling it down. The conversation also recommends a book for further reading on the topic.
  • #1
lch7
17
0
Will someone please explain to me how a theory, such as a quantum field theory, be expressed in more than three dimensions? Is this referring to the spatial dimensions we live in now, or what? And how does someone even begin to ponder these multiple dimensions?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
lch7 said:
And how does someone even begin to ponder these multiple dimensions?

By doing the math. You mention quantum field theory, have you not been through "regular" quantum mechanics? Hilbert space is infinite dimensional. Or how about phase space in stat. mech. Its got a lot of dimensions, a lot. These are not 'physical spaces', but they are spaces with many dimensions. If you haven't studied any of this, check out the wikipedia:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dimension_(mathematics_and_physics)
" the dimension of a space or object is informally defined as the minimum number of coordinates needed to specify any point within it."I don't know any quantum field theory. Some expert will chime in and kick some knowledge I'm sure. I don't think there is higher spatial dimensions in qft... I think that is a part of hypotheticals like string theory, etc.
 
  • #3
Mathematically, it's very easy to formulate any sort of theory, quantum mechanical or otherwise, in any number of dimensions. Instead of dealing with points labeled by three coordinates, (x, y, z), just start talking about points labeled by, say, 5 coordinates, (x, y, z, v, w). Now you're doing physics in five spatial dimensions.

Visualizing it is another matter. Some advice I once heard: to visualize, say, 9-dimensional space, first visualize N-dimensional space and then let N go to 9.
 
  • #5
Thank you all! Very interesting.
 

What is the concept of multiple dimensions in quantum theories?

The concept of multiple dimensions in quantum theories refers to the idea that there may be more than the three dimensions of space (length, width, and height) that we experience in our daily lives. In quantum physics, it is theorized that there could be additional spatial dimensions beyond the three we are familiar with, which could help explain certain phenomena that cannot be fully understood in our three-dimensional world.

How many dimensions are there in quantum theories?

The exact number of dimensions in quantum theories is still a subject of debate and research. Some theories suggest there could be up to 11 dimensions, while others propose an infinite number. However, the most commonly accepted theories in modern physics, such as string theory and M-theory, suggest that there may be 10 or 11 dimensions.

How do multiple dimensions affect our understanding of the universe?

The concept of multiple dimensions adds a new level of complexity to our understanding of the universe. It allows for the possibility of additional hidden dimensions that could explain phenomena such as dark matter and dark energy, which are not fully understood in our current three-dimensional model of the universe. It also has implications for the behavior of particles at a subatomic level and the potential for parallel universes.

Can we ever observe or experience these extra dimensions?

At our current level of technology and understanding, it is not possible to directly observe or experience these extra dimensions. However, experiments such as the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) are attempting to probe for evidence of extra dimensions by studying the behavior of subatomic particles. Some theories also suggest that these dimensions may be compactified, meaning they are too small for us to perceive or interact with directly.

What are the implications of multiple dimensions for time travel?

The concept of multiple dimensions has implications for time travel, as some theories suggest that time could be considered a fourth dimension alongside the three spatial dimensions. However, the possibility of time travel is still purely theoretical and highly debated in the scientific community. It is important to note that time travel, if possible, would likely involve complex and highly advanced technology, rather than simply moving through different dimensions.

Similar threads

  • Quantum Physics
Replies
6
Views
637
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
1
Views
797
  • Quantum Physics
2
Replies
61
Views
1K
Replies
2
Views
958
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
10
Views
1K
Replies
2
Views
855
Replies
3
Views
737
Replies
5
Views
743
Back
Top