May 2nd, 2012, 05:59 PM

Originally Posted by
guymillion
1. How accurate is this post? I could only find its information in one place.
It sounds like nonsense to me. But I am no expert. I have seen a simple explanation of why 10 (or 11) dimensions but I would never be able to find it again.
3. I understand that gravitons are to gravitational waves as photons are to light waves. I also understand that Einsteins equations show that gravity is the curvature of space.
I don't think these two views are compatible. We don't yet have a quantum theory of gravity.
However, when you think of "space" you are usually thinking of directions. Space isn't anything. "Space" is just directions.
Correct. GR describes how these "directions" (dimensions) get curved by the presence os mass (or energy). Which then causes a change in the way matter move. Which we then perceive as gravity.
Einstein can show how gravity is the change of directions as two objects move in four dimensions, but is the actual reason gravity happens because of gravitons and gravitational waves, not the curvature of spacetime?
It is not clear if "curvature of spacetime" is "real" or just a useful mathematical description. If a future theory manages to include gravitons, it will have to be equivalent to this at some level.
If anyone could answer any of these questions, that would be great!
Hopefully, someone who knows what they are talking about will be along soon!
ei incumbit probatio qui dicit, non qui negat