Exploring the Possibilities of 5-Dimensional Objects and their Surfaces

  • Thread starter Pjpic
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Dimensions
In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of dimensions and whether there can be a place where only 5-dimensional objects are allowed. It also questions the need for a 4-dimensional surface for a 5-dimensional object and explores the idea of negative dimensions. The conversation also touches on the definition of dimension and whether all objects of a given dimension have a subspace of one dimension less.
  • #1
Pjpic
235
1
Can there be a place(?) where only 5 dimesional object are allowed? Or would there always be the need for a 4 dimensional surface of the 5 dimensional obect?


If you'll always need to be able to subtract a dimension (the edge of a 2d plane is a 1d line and the end of a 1d line is a 0d point), would the surface of the zero dimensional "point" have a dimension of -1?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Why does it need to have a "surface"? What's the surface of the sphere?

The boundary of a manifold can be empty, but if it exists, it has dimension one less. A zero-dimensional manifold can't have boundary, for obvious reasons.
 
  • #3
Pjpic said:
Can there be a place(?) where only 5 dimesional object are allowed? Or would there always be the need for a 4 dimensional surface of the 5 dimensional obect?


If you'll always need to be able to subtract a dimension (the edge of a 2d plane is a 1d line and the end of a 1d line is a 0d point), would the surface of the zero dimensional "point" have a dimension of -1?

What is your definition of dimension? Ie., how are you able to determine that the object is 5 dimensional and not 4 dimensional or 6 dimensional?
If the object is a 5 dimensional topological manifold, then locally one can construct a 5-dimensional vector space; it is then trivial that there is a 4-dimensional subspace.
 
  • #4
slider142 said:
What is your definition of dimension? Ie., how are you able to determine that the object is 5 dimensional and not 4 dimensional or 6 dimensional?
If the object is a 5 dimensional topological manifold, then locally one can construct a 5-dimensional vector space; it is then trivial that there is a 4-dimensional subspace.

I don't know how the number of dimensions is determined. Do all objects of x dimesional topological manifold have a (x-1) subspace? Would this be true for x =1? For x = 0?
 

What is "Subtracting dimensions"?

"Subtracting dimensions" is a term used in mathematics and physics to describe the process of reducing the number of dimensions in a mathematical or physical system. This can be done through mathematical transformations or by physically removing a dimension from a system.

Why do scientists subtract dimensions?

Scientists may subtract dimensions in order to simplify complex systems and make them easier to study and understand. This can also help to identify important variables and relationships within a system.

What are some examples of "Subtracting dimensions" in science?

One example of "subtracting dimensions" in science is in the study of fluid dynamics, where a 3-dimensional system can be simplified to a 2-dimensional system by assuming that the fluid flow is uniform in one dimension. Another example is in string theory, where higher dimensions are "compactified" or removed in order to better describe our observable universe.

What are the potential drawbacks of "Subtracting dimensions" in scientific research?

One potential drawback is that by reducing the number of dimensions, important information and relationships within a system may be lost. This can lead to oversimplification and inaccurate conclusions. Additionally, subtracting dimensions may not always accurately reflect the complexity of real-world systems.

How does "Subtracting dimensions" relate to the concept of Occam's razor?

Occam's razor is a philosophical principle that states that when presented with multiple explanations for a phenomenon, the simplest one is usually the correct one. This principle can be applied to "subtracting dimensions" as scientists often use this method to simplify complex systems in order to better understand them.

Similar threads

  • Differential Geometry
Replies
5
Views
4K
  • Sci-Fi Writing and World Building
Replies
2
Views
746
Replies
2
Views
272
Replies
19
Views
2K
  • Differential Geometry
Replies
14
Views
6K
  • Differential Geometry
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
239
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • Sci-Fi Writing and World Building
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
1
Views
907
Back
Top