The 11th dimension space, "created" by KALUZA-KLEIN, with 3 unfolded dimensions and 8 folded, really exists?

Question

The n-dimension theory by Kaluza-Klein, who tried to unify gravity and the other forces, can be proved experimentaly in a lab? Can the folded dimensions be "seen" or felt by any experiment? The Calabi-Yau "simulators" can really express the folded dimensions, or is it just another "speculation"? Do we have enough energy in our labs to "see" this dimension-particles-forces?

Answer 1

First lets straighten out a few things:

1) Kaluza-Klein theory is in 5 - dimensions and brings together Maxwell's Electromagnetic Equations and Einstein's General Relativity Field Equations in 4 dimensional Space-Time.

2) 11 dimensions would have 4 unfolded Space-Time dimensions and 7 folded dimensions.

3) 11 dimensions arises out of M-Theory. A string theory requires 10 dimensions to be self consistent. The problem is there are 5 different types of string theories with 10 dimensions. Witten proposed and proved that all these theories can be expressed as one theory in 11 dimensions. The theory is called M-Theory and with it equations in one string theory can be converted into equivalent but different equations in another theory. Since some problems are easier to compute in one theory than another, one can consistently move among the theories where the problem more easily solved.

4) Einstein and not Kaluza that tried to unify all the forces using principles similar to Kaluza-Klein. He did not succeed.

5) Calabi-Yau manifolds arise directly from the symmetries that most exist in the folded dimensions for the strings to be consistent - not generate infinities or contradictions. They are an integral property of the cosmic fabric of space described by the theory.

Now to answer your question given the above corrections - hopeful the question is still relevant. The strings and folded dimensions are on the order of Plank's length - 10^-33 cm for the theory to provide a consistent theory of gravity. This is far too small to be observed within a "lab" any time within the future of mankind.

However there may ways of observing it indirectly and proving the theory. If you are interested I would suggests Brian Greene "The Fabric of the Cosmos" to understand how the theory applies and how it may be tested in the future. It is higly readable and will keep you straightened out ;-)

Answer 2

The answer is a resounding no, although this is not to say that there is no basis for string theory. The n-dimension of Kaluza-Klien is studied so heavily not besause of its practical observations, but because of its mathematical eloquence. It's shocking, really, when you put Einstein's field equations into an 11-dimension universe and God give you Maxwell's electromagnetism field equations. Particle accelerators are becoming much more powerful, and we could see the evidence you ask for some time in the future, but as of right now 11-dimensional Kaluza-Klein just makes a lot of sense.

Answer 3

Not at present we don't. Our particle accelerators just don't have enough energy to probe that deep yet. They will, given time.

However, we do know that the dimensions exist as each subatomic particle that exists needs to have its existence underpinned by a number of the dimensions, which carry the charateristics of each particle, and can be expressed by a set of physical theories known as gauge theories. The heavier the particle, the more dimensions, the higher the gauge theory needed to express it. For example W and Z bosons need su(2) to exist........ some particles and geometries need even higher gauge (scale) symmetries to express them. The higher dimensions represented in String Theory need complex sets of gauge theories to exist...some as high as su(7) and su(8).

Answer 4

The 11 dimensions are required to make string theory possible. If string theory was proven correct, the theory you mention would also be proven. But, as of right now, there is no way to prove either theory, but that doesn't mean they're wrong. There's just no way to tell if they are right or not.

Answer 5

These extra dimensions are just a bunch of nonsense cooked up by scientists so universities can get research grants from the government.