Can Time Exist Without Mass or Energy in Space?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of time in a hypothetical region of space devoid of mass or energy. Participants explore whether time can exist independently of mass or energy, how it might be perceived by observers, and the limits, if any, on the rate at which time can pass.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that time does not "tick" but rather that clocks measure time, suggesting that time may still be perceived even in the absence of mass or energy.
  • One participant questions whether there is a limit on how fast time can pass, while others assert that time could potentially pass infinitely fast from certain perspectives.
  • It is noted that the perception of time is relative to the observer, particularly in scenarios involving high speeds, such as approaching the speed of light.
  • A participant emphasizes that while time may be perceived differently by observers, a clock itself would not change its ticking rate regardless of the observer's speed.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the nature of time and its relationship to mass and energy. Some agree that time is relative, while others challenge the notion of limits on how fast time can pass, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference previous discussions and questions, indicating ongoing exploration of these concepts. The discussion includes assumptions about the nature of time and the role of observers, which are not fully resolved.

cragar
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Lets imagine a place in space where there is no mass or energy to warp space-time
how much would time pass or how fast would time tick in this region of space
does time have a limit on how fast it can tick.
 
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Time doesn't tick. Clocks tick.

If there is no mass or energy other than the clock (which could be very small - maybe a photon bouncing back and forth in a carbon nanotube), from a distant vantage point you'd see the clock ticking at approximately the same rate it would tick here on earth. The effect of the sun, earth, planets, etc. on time is pretty small.
 
is there a limit on how fast time can pass.
 
No.
No.
No.
 
true , but i was wondering if i would get better answers in this section, and it really never got answered . and like hallsof ivy told me no and that's what i wanted.
 
HallsofIvy said:
No.
No.
No.

so then it is possible that time could pass infinitely fast.
 
ok thanks for answering russ watters
 
  • #10
cragar said:
Lets imagine a place in space where there is no mass or energy to warp space-time
how much would time pass or how fast would time tick in this region of space
does time have a limit on how fast it can tick.

The speed of time is always relative to the observer.

If you're approaching the speed of light, you will see that things slow down.
 
  • #11
Division said:
The speed of time is always relative to the observer.

If you're approaching the speed of light, you will see that things slow down.

What things? If you have a watch with you, and you look at your watch as you approach the speed of light the watch will neither speed up nor slow down.

cheers,

neopolitan
 

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