I've been a really awesome sci-fi series where an Alien race takes out a rival solar system by using a weapon that converts it into 2d space I know this is all theoretical and what not but I'm clearly missing something here. How can it be 2D if it has mass? If you can see it, even if its completely flat, it must have some kind of thickness, even if that thickness is just the size of an atom, so wouldn't that still make it "3D"? Can someone help connect the dots?
I am far from a theoretical scientist but I am a scifi geek and have taken a fair number of physics courses at university many moons ago. I think the problem is you are trying to fit the 2D universe into our 3D universe. Our definition of mass is a concept based on the constraints on our universe. In a 2D universe an object may not have mass as we define because their physics and dynamics will be different. They may have concepts similar to mass such as an objects resistance to acceleration or gravitational effects. If this topic really interest you, try asking the same question on something like a theoretical math or physics subreddit (if one exist), You will probably get far better responses.
Thanks, your answer is good. (different rules of physics). its actually the only thing that makes sense. I think for it to really make sense though it would probably require white board going a cross a 3000 foot long building with equations covering it! I like your explanation way better
I'm guessing (because I havn't seen it- what's the series?) that a 2D universe not working is what makes this weapon so effective. It would basically be making the effected area not exist (in our universe) anymore. And the best way to destroy something is to make it not exist anymore
