Ep 4. Are There More Than Three Dimensions?

Through the Wormhole takes the viewer on a science-filled journey through some of the biggest topics in the universe. In season 2, episode 4, the question of whether or not there are more than three dimensions is explored. Hosted by Academy Award nominee Morgan Freeman, this episode brings together experts in physics and mathematics to explore the mysteries of the universe.

The show begins with an exploration of the three dimensions most commonly known: length, width, and height. It then dives into the fourth dimension of time, discussing how time is considered a fourth dimension in physics. From there, the discussion turns to the concept of additional dimensions beyond the fourth. The idea that there could be more than four dimensions is a difficult one to wrap the mind around, but the experts on the show make a valiant attempt to explain.

The concept of an extra dimension is explored through a variety of metaphors and analogies. A popular way to imagine additional dimensions is to think of a flat two-dimensional plane and a three-dimensional object like a sphere. From the point of view of the two-dimensional plane, the sphere would appear as a series of circles of varying size. If this were to happen in a higher dimension, an object that appears to be a circle to our three-dimensional eyes could be a three-dimensional sphere.

Another analogy given during the show is the idea of crumpling up a piece of paper to create a higher dimension. If a straight line is drawn along the paper and it is crumpled up, the line would appear to have more dimensions to a two-dimensional being living on the paper surface. Similarly, a higher-dimensional being could crumple the universe in ways that would create additional dimensions.

As the show progresses, the experts delve deeper into the math and physics behind the concept of additional dimensions, discussing theories such as string theory and M-theory. These theories propose the existence of as many as 11 dimensions but require a significant amount of mathematical and theoretical explanation.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the episode is the discussion of how additional dimensions could potentially be detected. The experts discuss experiments that have been conducted to search for the existence of higher dimensions, including the Large Hadron Collider. Some researchers believe that evidence of additional dimensions could be found by studying anomalies in gravity or by observing particles that appear to disappear out of existence.

Throughout the show, the experts discuss not only the theoretical aspects of additional dimensions but also the potential real-world implications of their existence. Some believe that understanding higher dimensions could unlock the secrets of the universe, including the nature of dark matter and dark energy. Others see the potential for new technologies to arise from this understanding, such as warp drive or teleportation.

Through the Wormhole season 2 episode 4 is an engaging and thought-provoking exploration of the concept of higher dimensions. The show's use of metaphor and analogy makes the complex topic easier to grasp for viewers and the expertise of the experts on the show leaves no stone unturned. By the end of the episode, viewers will have a much deeper understanding of the concept of additional dimensions and the impact they could have on our understanding of the universe.