Define Electromagnetic Spacetime

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of "Electromagnetic Spacetime," exploring its definition and relationship with General Relativity (GR) and electromagnetism. Participants examine whether this concept can be treated geometrically and how it might relate to existing theories like Kaluza-Klein theory.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant requests a definition of "Electromagnetic Spacetime" and questions its geometric properties in relation to GR.
  • Another participant notes that electromagnetism is typically described in Minkowski spacetime, which is flat and approaches GR in the absence of sources.
  • A participant expresses unfamiliarity with the term "electromagnetic spacetime" and seeks clarification on its meaning, suggesting it may refer to electromagnetism within spacetime.
  • There is a suggestion that "Electromagnetic Spacetime" could relate to Kaluza-Klein theory, which describes electromagnetism through geometric means.
  • One participant questions whether electromagnetic spacetime can coexist with gravitational spacetime, referencing Kaluza-Klein theory's attempts at unification and its limitations.
  • Another participant reiterates that electromagnetism is encompassed within a 4D Minkowski space, expressing uncertainty about the original question.
  • A repeated inquiry about the coexistence of electromagnetic and gravitational spacetime is made, with a note on Kaluza-Klein theory's use of an additional dimension for unification.
  • Two posts remind participants about off-topic posting rules, leading to confusion from one participant regarding the categorization of their comments.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the definition and implications of "Electromagnetic Spacetime," with no consensus reached on its meaning or its relationship to GR and Kaluza-Klein theory.

Contextual Notes

Some participants reference specific theories and concepts without fully resolving the definitions or implications of "Electromagnetic Spacetime." The discussion includes assumptions about the relationship between electromagnetism and spacetime that remain unexamined.

Lorensatcho
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Can someone define Electromagnetic Spacetime for me?

Even though it is not unified with GR is it valid to think of its shape as subject to all the rules of geometry as GR?
 
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EM is usually done in Minkowski spacetime which is flat and is the limit to which GR tends when there are no sources present.
 
I know about "electro-magnetism" and "space-time". But I have never seen the phrase "electromagnetic spacetime" before. Could you explain what you mean? cosmik debris seems to think you mean electro-magnetism in space time. Is that correct?
 
Could this be a reference to Kaluza-Klein theory, where electromagnetism is describe by a geometric spacetime?

V
 
Can electromagnetic space-time be regarded as a four dimensional space-time that coexists with the gravitational one? My understanding is that Kaluza-Klein theory tries to unify both, but falls short.
 
As Cosmik Debris said, EM is covered in a 4D Minkowski space, I'm not really sure what you're asking.

V
 
Lorensatcho said:
Can electromagnetic space-time be regarded as a four dimensional space-time that coexists with the gravitational one? My understanding is that Kaluza-Klein theory tries to unify both, but falls short.

Kaluza-Klein uses 5D, where one spatial dimension is rolled into a circle. This does unify GR with EM but has some limitations. I am no expert on this so I won't comment further.
 
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