- #1
Vectronix
- 64
- 2
Why did physicists abandon the use of quaternions? Can you tell me some of the differences between quaternions and Einstein's four-vectors used in special relativity?
Quaternions are a mathematical concept that extends the complex numbers to four dimensions, allowing for calculations involving three-dimensional rotation. Einstein's four-vectors, on the other hand, are a concept in physics that describe the relativistic relationship between space and time.
Quaternions are commonly used in computer graphics and robotics to represent and rotate objects in three-dimensional space. Einstein's four-vectors are used in the theory of relativity to describe the way that objects move and interact in a four-dimensional spacetime.
The main difference between quaternions and Einstein's four-vectors is their purpose and application. Quaternions are a mathematical concept used for rotation in three-dimensional space, while Einstein's four-vectors are a physical concept used to describe the relationship between space and time in the theory of relativity.
No, quaternions and Einstein's four-vectors are not interchangeable. They have different mathematical properties and serve different purposes in science. While quaternions are useful for rotation calculations, Einstein's four-vectors are necessary for understanding the effects of relativity on space and time.
Yes, both quaternions and Einstein's four-vectors are still relevant and widely used in modern science. Quaternions are commonly used in computer graphics and robotics, while Einstein's four-vectors are a crucial concept in the theory of relativity, which remains one of the most fundamental and widely accepted theories in physics.