Space Time Continuum: A Scientific Analysis

In summary, the concept of "space time continuum" refers to the intermixing of space and time in our understanding of reality, as described by the theories of relativity. It is not something separate from space and time, but rather a way of describing their interconnected nature.
  • #1
Naveen3456
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It is said that the space time continuum gives rise to space and time.

So, is space time continuum a mixture of space and time or something totally different from space and time? Plz elaborate as per current scientific understanding only. No out and out philosophy please?
 
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  • #2
"space time continuum" is a name for "space and time". I don't think it makes sense to say "it gives rise to space and time". Does 6 give rise to 2 and 3, as 2*3=6?
 
  • #3
Mathematically spacetime is a pseudo-Riemannian manifold. I am not sure what you are after for the rest of your question.
 
  • #4
Naveen3456 said:
It is said that the space time continuum gives rise to space and time.

So, is space time continuum a mixture of space and time or something totally different from space and time? Plz elaborate as per current scientific understanding only. No out and out philosophy please?
In GR reality is completely described using a curved four dimensional surface. Time evolution is just a gauge choice.
 
  • #5
Naveen3456 said:
It is said that the space time continuum gives rise to space and time.

So, is space time continuum a mixture of space and time or something totally different from space and time? Plz elaborate as per current scientific understanding only. No out and out philosophy please?

Take two points that are separated only in space, i.e. two points that occur at the same time, in some specific reference frame.

For simplicity, assume there's no gravity, so that we can use only SR and don't need to use GR.

THen in some other reference frame, the two points that occurred at the same time occur at different times, due to the relativity of simultaneity. So they are separated in both space and time.

Thus we are led to the conclusion that space and time must intermix, somehow. One observer's purely spatial separation appears to be a separation in space and time to another observer.
 

1. What is the space-time continuum?

The space-time continuum is a scientific concept that combines the three dimensions of space (length, width, and height) with the dimension of time. It is a model used to understand how time and space are connected and how they affect the behavior of objects in the universe.

2. How does the space-time continuum affect our daily lives?

The space-time continuum has a major impact on our daily lives, even though we may not realize it. It governs the movement of objects, the passage of time, and the effects of gravity. Without the space-time continuum, the laws of physics that we rely on for technology and daily activities would not exist.

3. Can the space-time continuum be manipulated?

According to Einstein's theory of relativity, the space-time continuum can be affected by massive objects, such as planets and stars, which can cause distortions in space and time. However, manipulating the space-time continuum in a deliberate and controlled manner is currently beyond our technological capabilities.

4. How is the space-time continuum related to black holes?

Black holes are objects with such strong gravitational pull that they can warp the space-time continuum around them. This means that time moves slower near a black hole and objects can appear to be stretched or distorted. The study of black holes and their effects on the space-time continuum can help us better understand the laws of physics.

5. Is the space-time continuum the same everywhere in the universe?

Yes, the space-time continuum is a universal concept and is believed to be the same throughout the entire universe. However, it can be affected by the presence of massive objects, such as stars and galaxies, which can cause variations in the strength of gravity and the curvature of space-time in different regions.

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