Table of Contents
Can there be more than 10 dimensions?
Superstring theory posits that the universe exists in 10 dimensions at once. Beyond these three visible dimensions, scientists believe that there may be many more. In fact, the theoretical framework of Superstring Theory posits that the universe exists in ten different dimensions.
How do extra dimensions work?
In physics, extra dimensions are proposed additional space or time dimensions beyond the (3 + 1) typical of observed spacetime, such as the first attempts based on the Kaluza–Klein theory. String theory has one notable feature that requires extra dimensions for mathematical consistency.
What’s one big problem with string theory at this time?
The problem with string theory, according to some physicists, is that it makes too many universes. It predicts not one but some 10,500 versions of spacetime, each with its own laws of physics.
What are some criticisms of string theory?
Initially people took this to be a criticism of string theory. If it predicts 10 dimensions and you look around and only see four (three spatial dimensions and one time dimensions) then you might ask: “Where are the other six dimensions?” But Kaluza and Klein had solved that problem 60 years earlier: they rolled the other dimensions up.
Does string theory predict the number of dimensions of spacetime?
Image © R. Dijkgraaf. But string theory has one very unique consequence that no other theory of physics before has had: it predicts the number of dimensions of spacetime. For the mathematics of string theory to be consistent, the number of dimensions of spacetime must be 10. Initially people took this to be a criticism of string theory.
Is it possible to observe extra dimensions?
So in principle we could observe these extra dimensions but in practice is depends on how small the dimensions really are. This is one of the signatures of extra dimensions that physicists are looking for at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). But if they don’t find this evidence it doesn’t mean that these extra dimensions don’t exist.