Number of Dimensions + Laws of Physics

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the question of whether the laws of physics can operate in any number of dimensions, including higher dimensions as proposed in theories like String Theory. Participants explore the implications of dimensionality on physical laws, particularly in relation to Quantum Mechanics and gravity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions if Quantum Mechanics would yield the same predictions in 5 or 6 dimensional universes, suggesting that the equations might remain unchanged.
  • Another participant references a video discussing the relationship between dimensionality and the laws of physics, indicating that there are insights to be gained from such resources.
  • A different participant raises concerns about the implications of additional dimensions on gravity, specifically in the context of String Theory.
  • One participant argues that while mathematical equations can be formulated independently of the number of dimensions, the lack of experimental access to higher dimensions may undermine the validity of those equations as laws of physics.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether the laws of physics can be universally applied across different dimensional frameworks. There is no consensus on the implications of higher dimensions for physical laws, particularly regarding their correspondence to experimental observations.

Contextual Notes

Participants note limitations related to the experimental verification of physical laws in dimensions beyond the familiar 3+1, which may affect the applicability of these laws in higher-dimensional contexts.

StevieTNZ
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Can the laws of physics work with any number of dimensions (whether they be space or time)?

That's what Lisa Randall claims, but am seeking clarity.

If so, does that mean Quantum Mechanics will still predict the same results in 5 or 6 dimensional universes, and the equations will stay the same?
 
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I'm not able to provide you a definitive answer, but your question reminded me of this minutephysics video which briefly discusses the laws of physics in relation to dimensionality:

http://bit.ly/IKjnHR
 
Interesting video... but what happens to the force of gravity if there happens to be more than 3 dimensions (as is in String Theory)? The implications described in the video say it all.
 
StevieTNZ said:
Can the laws of physics work with any number of dimensions (whether they be space or time)?
That is an interesting question. The laws of physics are a bunch of mathematical equations together with a bunch of correspondence rules between the variables in the equations and experimentally measurable quantities. You can certainly write the mathematical equations in a form which is independent of the number of dimensions. But if you then do calculations with those equations in anything other than 3+1 dimensions I think you lose the correspondence rules since we have no experimental access to other dimensions. Once you lose those correspondences I am not sure that what is left should still be called a law of physics.
 

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