Why is space three-dimensional?

Question

As opposed to say, two-, four- or five- or more-dimensional?

Answer 1

This is actually an active area of theoretical research in physics. The best answer is simply that we don't know. It may be that there are actually 23 dimensions (or 11 in some models) and the 'extra' dimensions either 'curled' up to be very small or don't show themselves under most circumstances. In some of these theories, a small variance in gravity is predicted because of the extra dimensions. This has not been detected (as yet).

Why 23 and 11? Because those are the dimensions in which certain formulas work out 'better'. *shrug* Not all that convincing. I guess we shall see what experiment brings.

Answer 2

Space is three dimensional (or more accurately 4 dimensional if we include time) because we can do about 99.9+% of our activities under that assumption.

To prevent an aviation collision all we need to do is change one of the values of x,y,z,t for one of the planes. If there were two more dimensions, say w and u, changing the values of w and u without changing x,y,z or t will be a very bad thing for the passengers.

So you can postulate two or more dimensiions but for all the things you do routinely, you dont care at all.

Answer 3

Well it might be more than 3 but you can only sense and conceive of 3. It's kind of like this. Humans can only exist in 3 dimensions, you exist, therefore space is 3 dimensional. If space was 2, 1 or 0 dimensions then you wouldn't exist to question it.

Answer 4

It is not 2 dimensional because it has volume. We recognize three dimensional in our limited human abilities. We can't really say if it might have more dimensions, but I would be willing to bet that it does and someday we will be able to recognize them and have a greater understanding of the Universe.

Answer 5

Space can be modeled mathematically. Start with a point (position), add a line (length), add three more lines at right angles (area) add eight more lines (cubic volume) and define volume as space. For many, reality is that simple. For others there is always, what if???

Answer 6

if you're talking about outer space, then it's four dimensional. Don't forget time.

If you're talking about the space around you, then I'm not sure why, go ask a mathematician.

Answer 7

There might be more dimensions. They are doing studies to try to create mico-blackholes in our atmosphere. If they can, they'll be able to tell if there are four or more dimensions. I don't exactly know how they'd be able to tell from that, I was watching it on Science Channel. Hope it helped.

Answer 8

Cause Chuck said so!