SEUE1002

Fundamentals of Cosmology
Assoc. Prof. Tolgahan KILIÇOĞLU
Lecture 09
Spacetime
Dimensions

Dimensionless

«point»
Dimensions (cont.)

1 dimension

«line»
Dimensions (cont.)

2 dimensions

«plane»
Dimensions (cont.)

2 dimensions

«plane»

Surface of a Sphere
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eyuNrm4VK2w

1884
Dimensions (cont.)

3 dimensions

«volume»
 Dimensions (cont.)

«Planck Time»
5.39110-44 s

3 dimensions +
time dimension
Dimensions (cont.)
2D 3D 4D

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGO12Z5Lw8s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0t4aKJuKP0Q
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4ruHJFsb4g
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eyuRLmCphHc

• Our mind cannot perceive the shape of

4-dimensional objects.
• However, we have the ability to make
calculations for a 4-dimensional universe.
 Dimensions in the Universe

• Space Dimensions • Curvature • Time Dimension

• The universe does not have to be
• Width (x) flat. No matter how many • Time (t)
dimensions the universe has, it
• Length (y) can have a curvature.
• Depth (z) • However, this curvature does not
increase the number of space
dimensions the universe has.

• 3 Space Dimensions + 1 Time Dimension = Spacetime

• Because spacetime contains 4 dimensions (and it can even
have a curvature), we cannot draw or imagine exactly what
its shape is like!
 Curvature • If we accept that a paper is infinitely thin, we
2D
can say that it is 2-dimensional.
• If we bend such a paper, it will not increase the
y number of dimensions of the paper and only
give it a curvature.
• The universe that we live in has 3 space
x dimensions and may also have a curvature.
• However, it is not possible for us to imagine or
depict a 3-dimensional universe with its
curvature.
2D + Warping • Therefore, the universe has
to be described using one
time dimension + one or
two space dimensions.
• Sometimes one of the
dimensions can be used to
show the curvature of the
universe.
 Cosmological Principle
• When the universe is viewed on a large
scale, whatever direction one moves
forward, the universe is roughly seen;
1. Homogeneous
2. Isotropic
• This starting point in Cosmology is called
cosmological principle.

Homogeneous
+
Isotropic

Not homogeneous Not isotropic

How is the Shape of the Universe Depicted?
Closed
Finite and
• A universe with 1 dimension Unbounded
Finite and
Bounded
 Not homogeneous
 Isotropic for those in the center only
Flat
Infinite and  Homogeneous
 Homogeneous Unbounded  isotropic
 Isotropic
• 1 space dimension
available.
• The 2nd dimension
 Homogeneous is used to show the
 Isotropic Open
Infinite and curvature.
Unbounded • There is no time
dimension.
 How is the Shape of the Universe Depicted?
• A universe with 2 dimensions The universe is
on the surface
of the sphere!
• 2 space dimensions
Closed
available.
Finite but
• The 3rd dimension
Unbounded
is used to show the
curvature.
 Not homogeneous  Not homogeneous • There is no time
 Not isotropic  Not isotropic dimension.

Open  Homogeneous
Infinite and  Isotropic
Unbounded

Flat
 Not homogeneous Infinite and
 Isotropic for those in the center only Unbounded
 How is the Shape of the Universe Depicted?
• A universe with 3 dimensions • Using cosmological principles, the
only way to describe the universe with
3 space dimensions is to imagine it
extending unlimitedly in all directions.
• For this reason, showing 3 space
dimensions together is not practical.

• There are 3 space dimensions

available.
• No curvature dimension.
 Not homogeneous • No time dimension.
 Isotropic for those in the center only
How is the Shape of the Universe Depicted?
SPACETIME t
• The best solution:
1 space dimension +
1 time dimension +
1 dimension to show
curvature
A student in Spacetime

t t

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