Quaternions vs. Einstein's four-vectors

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In summary, quaternions are a mathematical concept used for calculating rotations 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. They have different purposes and cannot be used interchangeably. However, both are still relevant and widely used in modern science, with quaternions being useful in computer graphics and robotics and Einstein's four-vectors being crucial in the theory of relativity.
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Vectronix
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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?
 
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A more methodical mathematical approach is the Clifford Algebra, which includes subspaces like the complex numbers and quaternians. A modern approach is Geometric Algebra. You might be interested in some of this history
 
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1. What are quaternions and Einstein's four-vectors?

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.

2. How are quaternions and Einstein's four-vectors used in science?

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.

3. What is the difference between quaternions and Einstein's four-vectors?

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.

4. Can quaternions and Einstein's four-vectors be used interchangeably?

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.

5. Are quaternions and Einstein's four-vectors still relevant in modern science?

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.

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