can you explain 11 dimensions as it is applied in string theory?

Answer 1

They are simply mathematical constructs that allow the physicists to come up with the answers they are looking for. Typically, a dimension shows up as a term in an equation.

For example, s^2 = x^2 + y^2 + z^2 is an equation for the length of the diagonal (s) across a box-like shape of sides x, y, and z. Each of those sides is along a dimension, the three spatial dimensions of our known universe. And, for this example, each of the three terms in the equation for s^2 represents the contribution of a dimension to the result.

Similarly, we can write c^2 = x^2 + y^2; where c is the diagonal of a rectangle, which is a two dimensional figure having no thickness. In fact, by means of a math trick called projection, we can collapse the three dimensional box onto a two dimensional plane (like a movie screen) and get the rectangle as a sort of shadow of that box.

Well, it takes eleven dimensions (including time) projected onto our four dimensional world to come up with results that describe the characteristics of strong and weak atomic forces, EM force, and gravity. And that is the major motivator for string/M theory...to integrate gravity into the same set of equations that describe the other three fundamental forces of the universe.

Just like x^2 + y^2 describes the rectangle in 2D but is also a part of x^2 + y^2 + z^2 in 3D, four of the eleven dimensions are x,y,z,t dimensions...the observable ordinary dimensions of space and time. But there are seven more; so that they can be projected onto our 4D world and show results that indicate the graviton and the messenger particles for the other three forces of the universe. In other words, using eleven dimensions has allowed string/M theory to predict the graviton...the messenger particle that carries the force of gravity like the photon carries light energy. And therefore, by mathematically invoking the extra seven dimensions, string/M theory has in fact integrated gravity in with the other three forces.

Brian Greene [See source.] WAGs that, if they really exist and are more than a math trick, the extra seven or so dimensions (some theories call for even more dimensions) are tightly coiled up dimensions that are so tiny we cannot see or measure them. To use his analogy, it's something like a long piece of string seen from a distance. The string looks one dimensional, but upon closer inspection, we can see the string has circumference "wrapped around" its length. That circumference is something like a coiled extra dimension. It's there and supports the length of the string, but we can't see it. The extra dimensions are there, supporting our 4D world, but we can't see or measure them.

Answer 2

this is a very complex field of study!
we all know that there are the 3 spacial dimensions, and 1 time dimension, this leaves seven dimensions left in string theory (8 in some theories). these other dimensions are 'rolled up' into whats called a calabi yau spaces. these are multi dimensional spaces that are located at every point in the universe. we cannont 'see' or interact with these spaces, but they are needed for the one dimensional strings in string theory to move in. click on the link provided ofr more information about calabi yau spaces.

Answer 3

String theory assumes that certain physical qunatities in quantum mechancs are due to "rolled up" dimensions in a space with more than four dimensions. The usual 3 spatial and one temporal dimension are present in string theory, but then you have these other compacted (rolled up) dimensions to represent thing like spin, flavor, color, etc. - all quantum mechanical properties of matter and radiation. The theory provides a framework for how particles and photons are realized and interact.

Answer 4

particularly, in accordance to M-concept and great-Gravity, there are 11 dimensions, 3 spatial, a million time, and seven quantum dimensions too infintesimal to discover rapidly. the 1st 4 are probable tremendously comprehensible to you. the different 7 are derived from theoretical arithmetic which use manifolds different than the easy 3-D Euclidean manifold, and somewhat of a rapidly line such because of the fact the three-D variables (x, y, z), (top, length, width), that are rapidly and non-end, the different 7 are somewhat small, and are curved. they're nevertheless theoretical, yet make experience mathematically, we in basic terms have not got the technologies to degree them.

Answer 5

I'd suggest you get a book by Dr Lisa Randall...It has warped dimensions in the title. You're asking for a PhD in 50 words or less here

Answer 6

No, I can't.

But, I know enough to know that it would require a whole boatload of higher math to even come close to describing 11 dimensions.

Hopefully, somebody will provide a link.