What are the 26 dimensions in the M theory?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the dimensions in M-theory, specifically addressing the claim of 26 dimensions and the nature of these dimensions. Participants explore the relationship between M-theory and string theory, including the implications of dimensionality on theoretical physics.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that the 26 dimensions refer to bosonic string theory, while M-theory is said to have 11 dimensions, which include 10 spatial dimensions and 1 time dimension.
  • Others mention that adding fermions through supersymmetry reduces the critical dimension from 26 to 10.
  • A participant notes that the extra dimensions in M-theory are necessary for the strings to vibrate in a way that supports all known particles of the Standard Model.
  • There is a suggestion that the dimensions could be named arbitrarily, as one participant humorously proposes naming them (t,x,y,z,a,b,c,d,e,f,g,...).
  • Some participants argue that the dimensions are internal degrees of freedom, while others contend they are dimensions of spacetime.
  • There is uncertainty regarding whether the dimensions have specific names, with multiple participants stating they are not named anything.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express disagreement regarding the nature and naming of the dimensions, with some asserting they are internal degrees of freedom and others maintaining they are spacetime dimensions. There is no consensus on the naming or classification of these dimensions.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reveals limitations in understanding the dimensionality of M-theory and its relationship to string theory, with unresolved questions about the nature of the dimensions and their implications for theoretical physics.

qsefthuko66
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What are all the 26 dimensions in the M theory, named?
 
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The 26 dimensions you mention are specific to so-called bosonic string theory. Adding fermions via supersymmetry cuts this number, also called the critical dimension (because the theory seems to be only well-defined in this number of dimensions!) down to 10. However, this gives you several different theories, which turn out to be connected via dualities.

The covering theory is called M-theory, and in this theory an extra dimension opens up.

I'm not sure what you mean by "naming dimensions". I can name them whatever I want: (t,x,y,z,a,b,c,d,e,f,g,...) :)
 
qsefthuko66 said:
What are all the 26 dimensions in the M theory, named?

I thought that M-theory had 11 dimensions? A string theorist named Edward Witten figured that out, last I heard.

In string theory, particles are oscillating vibrating 1d lines, as opposed to 0d point particles. The reason they are preferred, is because they eliminate infinity solns, otherwise known as mathematical anamolies. It's also believed they may help in unifying quantum mechanics with general relativity. The 11 dimensions consist of 10 spatial dimensions, and 1 time dimension, so 7 extra inperceptable spatial dimensions.

If I recall correctly, these 7 extra dimensions are necessary to provide "the required space" for the strings to vibrate, if they are to vibrate in such a way as to support all the known particles of the Standard Model. Ed Witten figured out that the other competing string theories (which assumed less than 11 dimensions) were all the result of looking at the 11 dimensions from limited and differing perspective.

I'm not sure what the dimensions are named either.

GrayGhost
 
qsefthuko66 said:
What are all the 26 dimensions in the M theory, named?

They are all internal degrees of freedom
 
qsefthuko66 said:
What are all the 26 dimensions in the M theory, named?

They aren't named anything.
 
dimension10 said:
They are all internal degrees of freedom

dimension10 said:
They aren't named anything.
They are dimensions of spacetime, so...not internal. I agree about the naming.
 

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