Spatial dimensions are dependent on

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of spatial dimensions being dependent on the existence of a temporal dimension. The speaker references the book "Elegant Universe" by Brian Green and discusses the idea of a rotating disc generating an extra dimension of space. They also mention the potential illusion of time and the concept of entropy. The conversation ends with a discussion on the relationship between temporal and spatial dimensions and the speaker's expertise in the field.
  • #1
Imparcticle
573
4
Spatial dimensions are dependent on...

...the existence of a temporal demension. According to the Elegant Universe by Brian Green, the geometry of a sphere is similar to that of a flat (2D) circle in spinning on its axis at a high speed. After reading this passage, I concieved the idea concerning the [simultaneous] dependency of spatial dimensions on time.
Consider the 2D circle spinning on an axis (of course in 3D space). It forms a geometry similar to that of a sphere when it is viewed in its motion. The only way for such motion to occur, obviously, is if there is a temporal demension. Without time, there would be no motion. Therefore, the fact that an atom vibrates (Brownian motion), that is, stays in motion, can only be if there is time.
Okay, I am now venturing on ground I am unsure of. So, to simplify my idea into a question, is it possible that all demension is a result of some rapid motion?

thank you!
:confused:
 
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  • #2
Temporality may just be an illusion. What we perceive to be time may just be the result of global changes of the topology of space.

See: http://www.math.ucr.edu/home/baez/planck/planck.html

I'm not sure exactly what you're getting at, so let me see if I've got this right. You are claiming that, in the example of the rotating disc, it is the rotation which generates the extra dimension of space so that we see a sphere.

You mention the disc spinning on an axis in 3D space. If that's the case, you're assuming that the third spatial dimension is already there, so the rotation of the disc doesn't actually generate the third spatial dimension.
 
  • #3
Temporality may just be an illusion. What we perceive to be time may just be the result of global changes of the topology of space.
Yes, the change in entropy; which is exactly what time is.

I'm not sure exactly what you're getting at, so let me see if I've got this right. You are claiming that, in the example of the rotating disc, it is the rotation which generates the extra dimension of space so that we see a sphere.
Yes, you have grasped my idea.

You mention the disc spinning on an axis in 3D space. If that's the case, you're assuming that the third spatial dimension is already there, so the rotation of the disc doesn't actually generate the third spatial dimension.
Good point! So when Brian Green specifies the aforementioned anology, what does he mean?
 
  • #4
Well, when saying that temporality may just be an illusion, I wasn't referring to entropy, but yes, it is rather interesting that entropy only works in one "direction" (as it were). I really haven't looked into that though, but I certainly should. Do you have any thoughts on it?

I'm not sure what Greene is getting at. I actually haven't read Elegant Universe. I don't really trust popular physics books.
 
  • #5
I have found an intriguing article on what is called "The Law of Maximum Entropy". Apparently, it specifies a law which says that disorder does not necessarily have to increase; but rather, it is possible for it to minimize.

you may view it here: http://www.entropylaw.com/thermoevolution10.html
 
  • #6
Well, entropy is independent of path. So all processes which go from state A to state B are equivalent for the purposes of thermodynamics. However, not all processes are equivalent in their rate. In other words, in going from state A to state B, we will get the same entropy change regardless of path. But the rate of entropy change as a function of time is dependent on path.

It seems that all the article is saying is that the path of choice for a system is that which maximises the rate of entropy change as a function of time.

Now, I'm not a physicist, so don't quote me on this, but this seems to me to be a result of the least action principle.
 
  • #7
Are you some sort of logician then? truly, you are very talented in the field. Or are you a philsopher of sorts? You seem to be very experienced in paradoxes and philosophers.

anyway...

However, not all processes are equivalent in their rate. In other words, in going from state A to state B, we will get the same entropy change regardless of path.
So A->B=B->A and all other combinations?


But the rate of entropy change as a function of time is dependent on path.

What kind of path? u mean direction? How would the path/direction change?

Also, what is the relationship of a temporal demension and spatial demensions?
 
  • #8
Imparcticle said:
I have found an intriguing article on what is called "The Law of Maximum Entropy". Apparently, it specifies a law which says that disorder does not necessarily have to increase; but rather, it is possible for it to minimize.
This seems to suggest that the purpose of life is to be more efficient at dissipation (The purpose of life is to destroy?)

The arguments I've read on this site are incomplete. If they could show what potentials are more efficiently minimized by an ameaba or a blade of grass, I might be convinced.
 
  • #9
Imparcticle said:
So A->B=B->A and all other combinations?

What kind of path? u mean direction? How would the path/direction change?

Also, what is the relationship of a temporal demension and spatial demensions?

Well, independence of path in entropy means that we can go from state A to state B by any means whatsoever, and this has no bearing on the states A and B. By path I loosely mean process. However, not all the processes which take us from A to B are equivalent. Some will occur faster than others. That above article seems to be claiming that the process going from state A to state B is always the fastest possible process.

According to relativity, space and time are not mutually independent, they are inextricably linked.

Thank you for your kind words. I am a philosophy/logic and maths major. Theoretical physics is somewhat of a "hobby" of mine.
 

1. What does it mean for spatial dimensions to be dependent on something?

When we say that spatial dimensions are dependent on something, it means that they are influenced or affected by that particular factor. This could be a physical force, a mathematical concept, or even a theoretical framework.

2. How are spatial dimensions related to the concept of space?

Spatial dimensions refer to the measurable dimensions of an object or space, such as length, width, and height. They are an essential aspect of understanding the concept of space, as they help us navigate and describe the physical world around us.

3. Are there more than three spatial dimensions?

According to current scientific theories, there are only three spatial dimensions - length, width, and height. However, some theories, such as string theory, suggest the existence of additional dimensions beyond the three we can perceive.

4. How do spatial dimensions impact our understanding of the universe?

The study of spatial dimensions is crucial in understanding the structure and behavior of the universe. Our knowledge of spatial dimensions helps us make predictions and explanations about the movements of celestial bodies and the formation of galaxies and other structures in the universe.

5. Can spatial dimensions change or vary?

In theory, spatial dimensions can change or vary depending on the context or framework in which they are being studied. For example, in Einstein's theory of relativity, space and time are considered interdependent, and thus spatial dimensions can vary depending on the relative motion of an observer.

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