Space-Time Velocity: Is It True?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the concept of traveling through the four dimensions of spacetime at the speed of light, c, and its implications for aging and velocity. Participants explore theoretical aspects of spacetime, velocity, and the relationship between spatial and temporal dimensions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that traveling at the speed of light implies a lack of aging due to not moving through time (V=0).
  • Others question the definition of "travel" in this context, suggesting a need for clarification.
  • A participant explains the mathematical formulation involving the invariant speed, c, and how it relates to spacetime displacement, indicating that time can be converted to length units using c.
  • Another participant argues that the perspective of aging is relative; from the viewpoint of someone traveling at c, they would perceive others as not aging, while their own time would proceed normally.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the implications of traveling at the speed of light and the nature of aging in relation to spacetime. There is no consensus on the definitions or interpretations presented.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the need for clearer definitions of terms like "travel" and the dependence on perspectives in discussing aging and velocity through spacetime.

strubenuff
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Is it true that we're traveling through the 4 dimensions of space time at the constant, c? This implies that velocity through the spatial dimensions detracts from our velocity through time and vice versa. For example, if I were traveling at the speed of light, I wouldn't be aging because I wouldn't be traveling through time (V=0).
 
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Originally posted by strubenuff
Is it true that we're traveling through the 4 dimensions of space time at the constant, c? This implies that velocity through the spatial dimensions detracts from our velocity through time and vice versa. For example, if I were traveling at the speed of light, I wouldn't be aging because I wouldn't be traveling through time (V=0).

Please define "travel"
 
In converting time to units of length, for use in formuilas and components, we multiply by the invariant speed, c. So many length units per time unit. As a result of that your squared displacement from one event in spacetime to another becomes

c2Δt2 - Δx2- Δy2- Δz2.

If you remain still, your space displacements are all zero, and only your time displacement (aging) is effective. Evidently this is cΔt in length units. This is the origin of the statement that we are moving through time at the speed of light. It is really because we convert time units to length units using c. And we use c because it is the same in all inertial frames of reference.
 
For example, if I were traveling at the speed of light, I wouldn't be aging because I wouldn't be traveling through time (V=0).
Yes, but that will only be true from a perspective that is traveling at c relative to you. From your point of view, your time proceeds normally and it is THEY that do not age.
 

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