On the dimensionality of spacetime

Details On the dimensionality of spacetime On the dimensionality of spacetime

1997-02-25

arxiv.org/abs/gr-qc/9702052v2

Class.Quant.Grav.14:L69-L75,1997

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology

Minor modifications to match published version. 5 pages. Color figures and related links at http://www.sns.ias.edu/~max/dimens

Scientific paper

10.1088/0264-9381/14/4/002

Some superstring theories have more than one effective low-energy limit, corresponding to classical spacetimes with different dimensionalities. We argue that all but the 3+1-dimensional one might correspond to ``dead worlds'', devoid of observers, in which case all such ensemble theories would actually predict that we should find ourselves inhabiting a 3+1-dimensional spacetime. With more or less than one time-dimension, the partial differential equations of nature would lack the hyperbolicity property that enables observers to make predictions. In a space with more than three dimensions, there can be no traditional atoms and perhaps no stable structures. A space with less than three dimensions allows no gravitational force and may be too simple and barren to contain observers.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

On the dimensionality of spacetime does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with On the dimensionality of spacetime, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and On the dimensionality of spacetime will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-75162