Five-dimensional physics : classical and quantum consequences of Kaluza-Klein cosmology / Paul S. Wesson.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Preface -- 1. Higher-dimensional physics. 1.1. Introduction. 1.2. Dimensions then and now. 1.3. Higher-dimensional theories. 1.4. Field equations in N[symbol]4 dimensions. 1.5. A primer on Campbell's theorem. 1.6. Conclusion -- 2. The big bang revisited. 2.1. Introduction. 2.2. Flat 5D universes. 2.3. The singularity as a shock wave. 2.4. A bounce instead of a bang. 2.5. The universe as a 5D black hole. 2.6. Conclusion -- 3. Paths in hyperspace. 3.1. Introduction. 3.2. Dynamics in spacetime. 3.3. Fifth force from fifth dimension. 3.4. Null paths and two times. 3.5. The equivalence principle as a symmetry. 3.6. Particle masses and vacua. 3.7. Conclusion -- 4. Quantum consequences. 4.1. Introduction. 4.2. 4D uncertainty from 5D determinism. 4.3. Is mass quantized? 4.4. The Klein-Gordon and Dirac equations. 4.5. Gauges and spins. 4.6. Particles and waves: a rapprochement. 4.7. Conclusion -- 5. The cosmological "constant" and vacuum. 5.1. Introduction. 5.2. The 5D cosmological "constant" 5.3. Astrophysical consequences. 5.4. Vacuum instability. 5.5. Mach's principle anew. 5.6. Conclusion -- 6. Embeddings in N[symbol]5 dimensions. 6.1. Introduction. 6.2. Embeddings and physics. 6.3. The algebra of embeddings. 6.4. The Campbell-Magaard theorem. 6.5. Induced-matter theory. 6.6. Membrane theory. 6.7. Conclusion -- 7. Perspectives in physics.

Print version record.

Extra dimensions? beyond space and time? are the best methods for unifying gravity with particle physics. The basic extension is to five dimensions (5D), as in the induced-matter and membrane theory. This descriptive text gives an up-to-date account of the classical and quantum consequences of 5D physics. It includes topics that range from Einstein's original theory of relativity to modern views on matter. The book is mathematically precise and focuses on new ideas which appeal to readers. Examples of new ideas are: The big-bang universe, which is curved by matter in 4D, may be viewed as a smooth and empty world in 5D; the uncertainty of quantum interactions in spacetime may be regarded as the consequence of deterministic laws in higher dimensions. This book will interest people who think about the meaning of things.

eBooks on EBSCOhost EBSCO eBook Subscription Academic Collection - Worldwide