- #1
upkiran
- 4
- 0
What do you mean by 'multi-dimensional'?
What do you mean by 'multi-dimensional'?
- Context: High School
- Thread starter upkiran
- Start date
-
- Tags
- Mean
Click For Summary
SUMMARY
The discussion centers on the concept of "multi-dimensional" spaces, specifically in relation to tesseracts and higher dimensions. A tesseract is defined as a four-dimensional object, requiring four dimensions to maintain non-intersecting hyperfaces and 90-degree angles. The conversation also touches on the controversial nature of extra dimensions proposed by string theory, which lack observational evidence. Participants clarify that dimensions beyond the four of spacetime cannot be described solely using traditional x, y, z, and t coordinates.
PREREQUISITES- Understanding of basic geometric concepts, including dimensions and shapes.
- Familiarity with the concept of a tesseract and its representation.
- Knowledge of spacetime and its four dimensions: three spatial and one temporal.
- Awareness of string theory and its implications regarding extra dimensions.
- Research the mathematical properties of tesseracts and their visual representations.
- Explore the implications of string theory on the existence of extra dimensions.
- Study the concept of Planck length and its relevance in theoretical physics.
- Learn about the differences between spatial dimensions and temporal dimensions in physics.
Students of physics, mathematicians, and anyone interested in advanced geometric concepts and theoretical physics, particularly those exploring the nature of dimensions beyond the conventional four.
- #2
tiny-tim
Science Advisor
Homework Helper
- 25,837
- 258
Welcome to PF!
Hi upkiran ! Welcome to PF!
"multi-dimensional" simply means that a space has more than one dimension.
What is the context? Does this come from a particular book?
Hi upkiran ! Welcome to PF!
"multi-dimensional" simply means that a space has more than one dimension.
What is the context? Does this come from a particular book?
- #3
upkiran
- 4
- 0
Hi..
I want to know how do you realize multi dimensions. For example when you say that a tesseract is a 4-D object how do you expain its dimensions. what is the base to constructing a tesseract?
- #4
tiny-tim
Science Advisor
Homework Helper
- 25,837
- 258
hmm … what's a tesseract? 
ah … one of those … http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tesseract" .
ah … one of those … http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tesseract" .
ok … you can "draw" a 3D version of a tesseract (eg the http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Schlegel_wireframe_8-cell.png" )
but like a 2D copy of a cube, you lose some information.
In a 2D copy of a cube, some of the lines intersect (in 3D they don't), and the angles between the faces aren't 90º.
Similarly, in a 3D version of a tesseract, some of the faces intersect (in 4D they don't), and some of the angles aren't 90º.
Four dimensions are the minimum necessary to have all the angles 90º, and to have none of the faces or "hyperfaces" intersecting where they shouldn't.
Last edited by a moderator:
- #5
Chronos
Science Advisor
Gold Member
- 11,420
- 750
In spacetime you need 4 dimensions to define a position - 3 spatial and one of time. Extra dimensions, mainly spacial, are posited by string theory. The need for these extra dimensions is controversial and no observational evidence for their existence has yet emerged.
- #6
upkiran
- 4
- 0
Hi...
Ok now let's go a step further... Consider an object said to have more than 4 dimensions... If space and time constitute four of these dimensions how would you describe the remaining dimensions?
- #7
tiny-tim
Science Advisor
Homework Helper
- 25,837
- 258
You just call them "extra dimensions".
(you can give them names if you like … but "what's in a name?"
)
(you can give them names if you like … but "what's in a name?"
)- #8
upkiran
- 4
- 0
The name is not important...
I was talking about its existence or characteristics... i mean any dimension other than "THE FOUR" are said to be of the order of Planck length, right.. If so can't those dimensions be explained using only the x,y,z and t coordinates?
- #9
tiny-tim
Science Advisor
Homework Helper
- 25,837
- 258
No, they have nothing to do with the x,y,z and t dimensions.
(just like t has nothing to do with the x,y and z dimensions)
(just like t has nothing to do with the x,y and z dimensions
)Similar threads
- · Replies 5 ·
High School
What is the actual shape of black holes?
- · Replies 4 ·
- · Replies 1 ·
High School
What are complex numbers good for?
- · Replies 13 ·
High School
Is time travel... travelling from one 3 dimensional space time to another 3 dimensional space time?
- · Replies 14 ·
- · Replies 36 ·
- · Replies 18 ·
- · Replies 3 ·
- · Replies 0 ·