Position of a ship in a new dimension

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of a ship navigating in a new dimension, with participants exploring the implications of such a scenario on displacement and movement. The scope includes theoretical considerations of dimensions, space-time diagrams, and potential interpretations of movement in higher dimensions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that a ship in a new dimension will always return to its starting point, seeking clarification on how to explain this concept.
  • Another participant inquires about using a space-time diagram to illustrate that the displacement is zero.
  • Questions arise regarding the meaning of "in a new dimension," with some suggesting it refers to the fourth dimension.
  • There is a query about how a spaceship could "move into the fourth dimension," indicating uncertainty about the mechanics of such movement.
  • A participant proposes that if the fourth dimension is time, the ship cannot return to its starting point, as it must always be progressing forward in time on a space-time diagram.
  • Another participant introduces the idea of a closed dimension, such as the surface of a ball, where movement could lead back to the starting point, suggesting alternative interpretations of the initial claim.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying interpretations of the concept of a new dimension, with no consensus on its implications for the ship's movement or displacement. The discussion remains unresolved, with multiple competing views presented.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include unclear definitions of "new dimension" and the assumptions underlying the proposed scenarios, particularly regarding the nature of movement and displacement in higher dimensions.

lovegood
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i need some help here, say if there's a ship, no matter how it steers, it will always end up at the starting point, becauses it is in a new dimension, but how do i go about explaining it? thanks!
 
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how do i use space-time diagram to explain that the displacement is zero?
 
What do you MEAN by "in a new dimension"?
 
as in fourth dimension?
 
Then how does a spaceship "move into the fourth dimension"?
 
Welcome to PF!

lovegood said:
how do i use space-time diagram to explain that the displacement is zero?

Hi lovegood! Welcome to PF! :smile:

If your fourth dimension is time, then the ship can't return to its starting-point … because, on the space-time diagram, the ship must always be going up. :smile:

Or am I misunderstanding you? :confused:
 
tiny-tim said:
Hi lovegood! Welcome to PF! :smile:

If your fourth dimension is time, then the ship can't return to its starting-point … because, on the space-time diagram, the ship must always be going up. :smile:

Or am I misunderstanding you? :confused:

unless its near a naked singularity and in a closed time loop :-p
 
I am not sure if this answers what you are asking but perhaps your dimension is a point, no matter how you move you are still at the beginning. Or perhaps you are referring to a closed dimension, like the surface of a ball. No matter how you move would can (not will) end up back at the beginning.
 

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