Why only three non curled up spatial dimensions?

[nealh149]

Why only three "non curled up" spatial dimensions?

Is there a reason (inherent in the theory) that string theory describes 10 spatial dimensions with 7 of them curled up rather than having 8 or 3 curled up? In other words, is this curling up a consequence of other parts of string theory, or is string theory designed as to fit observation?

 

[Phrak]

Is there a reason (inherent in the theory) that string theory describes 10 spatial dimensions with 7 of them curled up rather than having 8 or 3 curled up? In other words, is this curling up a consequence of other parts of string theory, or is string theory designed as to fit observation?

They're not curled?

 

[Entropia]

The concept of spatial dimensions is a fundamental aspect of our understanding of the physical world. In string theory, which is a theoretical framework that attempts to reconcile quantum mechanics and general relativity, the existence of 10 spatial dimensions is a consequence of the mathematical equations used to describe the theory.

One of the key principles of string theory is that particles are not considered to be point-like objects, but rather tiny vibrating strings. These strings exist in a 10-dimensional space, with 9 of those dimensions being spatial and 1 being time. However, we only perceive 3 spatial dimensions in our everyday lives.

The reason for this is still a subject of debate and research in the scientific community. Some theories propose that the additional dimensions are "curled up" or compactified, meaning that they are too small for us to observe. This could explain why we only perceive 3 dimensions, as the other dimensions are hidden from our view.

The specific arrangement of the curled up dimensions, with 7 being compactified and 3 being non-compactified, is a consequence of the mathematical equations used in string theory. This arrangement is not arbitrary, but rather a fundamental aspect of the theory.

It is important to note that string theory is still a developing and highly theoretical concept, and there is currently no experimental evidence to support the existence of these extra dimensions. Therefore, it is not accurate to say that string theory is designed to fit observation. Rather, it is a theoretical framework that is constantly being refined and tested through mathematical and theoretical analysis.

In summary, the existence of 10 spatial dimensions in string theory, with 7 being curled up, is a consequence of the mathematical equations used in the theory. The specific arrangement of these dimensions is not arbitrary, but rather a fundamental aspect of the theory. However, further research and experimentation is needed to fully understand the nature of these extra dimensions and their potential implications for our understanding of the universe.