A quick question from a layman about folding space time

In summary: If space time can be folded, does that mean that anything that happens in one part of the space time can also happen in another part? Thanks in advance for your help!In summary, folding space time may have some unforeseen consequences, but the most likely outcome is that things that happen in one region of space time can also happen in another region.
  • #1
Kargo
3
0
I was just doing some thinking about the folding of space time. I have seen a demonstration that a piece of paper is folded in two and a hole is poked through the two layers. Are there any negative consequences and if so what are the consequences of folding space time, and what are the consequences of poking a hole in it? Forgive me for my ignorance in physics, but when I have a question I found that it is best to go to the most qualified source for the answer. I am not, by any means, a physicist. Thank you ahead of time for your thoughts and hypothesis.
 
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  • #2
Hello Kargo! Welcome to PF! :smile:
Kargo said:
I have seen a demonstration that a piece of paper is folded in two and a hole is poked through the two layers.
Are there any negative consequences and if so what are the consequences of folding space time, and what are the consequences of poking a hole in it?

Yes, that's the standard picture of a "wormhole" …

a short-cut between two points in space which are a long distance apart.

Some people speculate that when a black hole is formed, and things literally disappear into the singularity, they reappear somewhere else in the universe in a sort of "white hole".

But nothing is folded … the diagram shows the space folded only so as to get it all on the same page! :biggrin:

Google "wormhole", and you'll find loads of information! :wink:
 
  • #3
I don't get the question that much...
putting a hole in the folded one, means that you change the topology of it.

what also do you mean what's the consequences of folding it? Nothing really. The folding happens over a symmetry (eg conformal symmetry), so either you work on the 1st or the 2nd space, you can go between each other without a problem. Now if you change/drop out pieces of one of the space, then I am not sure if you can go back to your initial without a problem (what about the points around the holes? you can't find a neighborhood around them that can be mapped in a neighborhood of the other). If someone can correct my idea if it's wrong...
 
  • #4
tiny-tim said:
Hello Kargo! Welcome to PF! :smile:


Yes, that's the standard picture of a "wormhole" …

a short-cut between two points in space which are a long distance apart.

Some people speculate that when a black hole is formed, and things literally disappear into the singularity, they reappear somewhere else in the universe in a sort of "white hole".

But nothing is folded … the diagram shows the space folded only so as to get it all on the same page! :biggrin:
Google "wormhole", and you'll find loads of information! :wink:


Thanks Tim for clearing up the whole folding thing, I will google wormhole.
 
  • #5
ChrisVer said:
I don't get the question that much...
putting a hole in the folded one, means that you change the topology of it.

what also do you mean what's the consequences of folding it? Nothing really. The folding happens over a symmetry (eg conformal symmetry), so either you work on the 1st or the 2nd space, you can go between each other without a problem. Now if you change/drop out pieces of one of the space, then I am not sure if you can go back to your initial without a problem (what about the points around the holes? you can't find a neighborhood around them that can be mapped in a neighborhood of the other). If someone can correct my idea if it's wrong...

I apologize for my ignorance on this subject. What I was trying to find out is what if any catastrophic effect might happen?
 

1. How is space time folded?

Space time is folded by manipulating the curvature of space time through the use of massive objects, such as planets or stars. This curvature is what causes objects to appear to be attracted to each other, and it can be altered through the use of gravitational forces.

2. Can space time be folded by humans?

Currently, humans do not have the technology or capability to fold space time. It requires immense amounts of energy and precise manipulation of gravitational forces, which is beyond our current capabilities.

3. What are the potential applications of folded space time?

Folding space time has been theorized as a way to potentially travel faster than the speed of light and explore distant parts of the universe. It could also potentially be used for time travel or creating wormholes for transportation.

4. Does folding space time violate any laws of physics?

Folding space time does not violate any laws of physics. It is based on Einstein's theory of general relativity, which describes how gravity works and how massive objects can warp space time.

5. How does folded space time affect the concept of time?

Folded space time can affect the concept of time by altering the rate at which time passes. In areas where space time is heavily curved, time may appear to pass slower due to the effects of gravity. This can also occur when traveling at high speeds, as time dilation occurs at these speeds.

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