Chapter 15
Making Space for Extra Dimensions
IN THIS CHAPTER
Understanding the meaning of dimensions
Adding a time dimension to the space dimensions
Bending dimensions as a mathematical pastime
Offering alternatives to extra dimensions
One of the most fascinating aspects of string theory is the requirement of extra dimensions to make the theory work. String theory requires nine space dimensions, while M-theory seems to require ten space dimensions. Under some theories, some of these extra dimensions may actually be long enough to interact with our own universe in a way that can be observed.
In this chapter, you get a chance to explore and understand the meaning of string theory’s extra dimensions. First, we introduce the concept of dimensions in a very general way, talking about different approaches mathematicians have used to study 2- and 3-dimensional space. Then we tackle the idea of time as the fourth dimension. We analyze the ways in which the extra dimensions may manifest in string theory and whether the extra dimensions are really necessary.
What Are Dimensions?
Any point ...
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