How Does Time Connect to Space in Our Universe?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationship between time and space in the universe, particularly in the context of astrophysics and relativity. Participants explore concepts of time measurement, the effects of gravity and velocity on time, and the educational background of those interested in physics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions how time can be part of the universe if it is merely a measurement, suggesting that time might differ based on orbital positions.
  • Another participant explains that in relativity, time varies across different reference frames and that simultaneity is not absolute, emphasizing the importance of considering space-time rather than just space.
  • A participant notes that classical Newtonian mechanics assumes time and space are definite, but this may not apply when discussing relativistic effects.
  • Several participants discuss their educational experiences, with one mentioning that high schools in Australia often do not teach physics, while another expresses confidence in their self-taught knowledge.
  • There are discussions about pursuing higher education in physics, with aspirations to attend prestigious institutions like ANU and Cambridge being mentioned.
  • One participant expresses concern about the difficulty of Caltech, while another highlights its reputation for producing talented scientists.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying views on the educational system and the teaching of physics, with no consensus on the best approach to learning about time and space. There is also a mix of opinions regarding the difficulty of prestigious universities and the paths to pursuing physics.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference different educational systems and personal experiences, which may influence their understanding of physics concepts. The discussion includes assumptions about the nature of time and space that are not universally agreed upon.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to students and enthusiasts in astrophysics, educators in physics, and individuals considering higher education in STEM fields.

Cbray
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(I'm only 14 and have a passion for Astrophysics, if this is a stupid question, I'm sorry :L)
Just wondering, how can time be apart of the universe/space, since it's just a measurement. If we were in a further or closer orbit, wouldn't our time measurement be different? And what if we weren't in orbit, we wouldn't have time then.. or would we?
 
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In relativity, time is not the same in all reference frame and simultaneity is invalid for us, actually Einstein talks about space-time, never space only. But it is to a scale of great curvature (Strong G fields or great velocities).

If you are talking about what you learn in Junior school (I guess), It is classical Newtonian mechanics which deals with normal life, there are virtually no difference in time (only 1/300 sec difference between surface of Earth and space stations).

It is Newton's idea that space and time are definite. When you are dealing with Newtonian mechanics, better not use that! Good thinking though.
 
We don't learn physics in high school, I've learned all my knowledge from books and the internet.
 
Why not? Which country are you in? Usually, high schools teach Newtonian mechanics, but it's okay to learn Newtonian mechanics on your own. But you'd better get a mentor when you come to relativity or quantum like universities (except that if you are Einstein II). But learning modern physics is really exciting.
 
In Australia, most public high schools don't. The French stream at my school does physics throughout all of high school. But I know more than them anyway, so I'm all good.

I'm also in the Top %1 best mathematical students in ACT, and NSW. And get courses at ANU (Australian National University) here in Canberra every Friday.

But ya, I can't wait for college!

PS: In ACT we only go up to Year 10 for high school, then we go to college for Year 11 and 12.
 
Is ACT the same as ACT in America? I'm not familiar, if it is, you are really good for a teenager aged 14. If you are really passionate in mathematics and physics, you should consider join some contests and apply to schools like Cal-Tech or MIT, schools like that have really good members in scientific research.

Also I heard that The University of New South Wales is a nice school in science, probably it's a good choice.
 
CalTech In my opinion seems to hard.
I'm just going to go to ANU for a degree in physics and honours, then go to Cambridge for my post-grad do a PhD in physics and maybe a masters in mathematics or physics.
 
Cbray said:
CalTech In my opinion seems to hard.
I'm just going to go to ANU for a degree in physics and honours, then go to Cambridge for my post-grad do a PhD in physics and maybe a masters in mathematics or physics.

Yes, Caltech is extremely hard, but it is where the most talented scientists come from. Have you seen the American sitcom The Big Bang Theory? Those "geeks" with IQs of 180 and 170 come from Caltech. The main advantage is that you can get the most innovating idea from those people.
 
I'll see how I go :)
 

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