PerpStudent
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When one considers (proper time) ΔΤ2 = Δt2 - Δx2 - Δy2 - Δz2, with c = 1, if t is in seconds, are the units of x,y and z necessarily 3x108 meters?
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Question about distance units in relativity
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Mentz114
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Yes. The unit of length is 1 light-second which makes c = 1.PerpStudent said:When one considers (proper time) ΔΤ2 = Δt2 - Δx2 - Δy2 - Δz2, with c = 1, if t is in seconds, are the units of x,y and z necessarily 3x108 meters?
EWH
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Yes. You may find http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_units interesting - there are several alternative systems of "natural units", but setting c=1 is most common. (There are also semi-joke "supernatural" units where pi=1, useful for interpretive dance physics, a.k.a "hand-waving".)
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