Proof of Urysohn Metrization Theorem
We give a complete proof that every second-countable regular Hausdorff space is metrizable by constructing an explicit embedding into the Hilbert cube. This proof synthesizes several fundamental results: the Lindel"of property, normality, the Urysohn lemma, and the theory of product topologies.
Statement
Let be a second-countable space. Then is metrizable. Specifically, embeds as a subspace of the metrizable space (the Hilbert cube with the product metric).
Complete Proof
Let be a countable basis for .
Part A: is normal.
Step A1: is Lindel"of. Let be an open cover. For each and each , choose with . The collection is a (possibly redundant) subcover indexed by a subset of , hence countable. For each such in this subcover, choose one with . Then is a countable subcover.
Step A2: is normal. This follows from Theorem 7.5: a regular Lindel"of space is normal.
Part B: Constructing separating functions.
Step B1: Define the set of "good pairs":
This is a countable set. Since is regular: for any and open , there exists with , and by regularity there exists an open with , and a with . So , and .
Step B2: For each , the sets and are disjoint closed sets (using ). By the Urysohn lemma (applicable since is normal), there exists a continuous function:
Enumerate as and write .
Part C: The embedding.
Step C1: Define by:
On , use the metric:
This metric induces the product topology on .
Step C2: is injective. Let . Since is , is closed. Set . By Step B1, there exists with . Then , so and . Hence .
Step C3: is continuous. Each coordinate function is continuous. By the universal property of the product topology, is continuous.
Step C4: is an open map onto . Let be open and . By Step B1, there exists with . Then and for all .
Consider the set . This is open in .
We have (since ). For any : , which means , i.e., .
Thus , so , an open set in containing .
This shows is open in .
Conclusion. is a continuous bijection that is also an open map, hence a homeomorphism. Since and is metrizable (with metric ), is metrizable, and therefore is metrizable.
Key Observations
- (from ): Ensures singletons are closed, needed for injectivity of .
- Regularity (from ): Ensures the existence of good pairs with .
- Second countability: Ensures is countable, so the embedding is into a countable product .
- Normality (derived from regular + Lindel"of): Enables the Urysohn lemma.
The sphere is second-countable (subspace of ) and regular (Hausdorff and locally compact). By the Urysohn metrization theorem, is metrizable. Of course, already carries the metric inherited from , but the theorem confirms that any second-countable regular topology on is metrizable -- the result is topology-intrinsic, not dependent on the ambient Euclidean space.
The Hilbert cube is a universal separable metrizable space: every separable metrizable space embeds in it. Since second-countable metrizable spaces are separable, the Urysohn embedding is optimal. The Hilbert cube is compact, metrizable, and infinite-dimensional, serving as the "home" for all separable metrizable spaces.