Could someone explain the fourth dimension?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of the fourth dimension, with a focus on its representation as time. Participants seek a thorough explanation of this concept, exploring both theoretical and practical implications.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant requests a thorough explanation of the fourth dimension, expressing an understanding that it represents time.
  • Another participant suggests a book, "Relativity Simply Explained" by Martin Gardner, as a resource for understanding the concept.
  • A further contribution illustrates the fourth dimension through a hypothetical job interview scenario, emphasizing the need to consider time alongside spatial dimensions (length, width, depth).

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on a definitive explanation of the fourth dimension, and multiple viewpoints regarding its understanding are presented.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the nature of the fourth dimension and its relationship to time remain unaddressed, and the discussion does not resolve the complexities involved in fully explaining the concept.

lj19
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Could someone explain the fourth dimension to me? I understand that it represents time. Could anyone thoroughly explain the concept? Thank you.
 
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Try Relativity Simply Explained, by Martin Gardner. It's a very inexpensive paperback.
 
Thanks for the suggestion.
I've read about the fourth dimension online, and was wondering if anyone could thoroughly explain the concept.
 
Well let's say that you are having an interview for a job. In order to meet this person for the hypothetical interview you would have to go to the corner of 25th st.(length) and MLK(width) then up to the 6th floor(depth), then for the fourth dimension you need to know what time the interview takes place(3 p.m.)
 

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