Time as Dimension: Before & After Einstein's G.T.R.

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SUMMARY

Time has been conceptualized as a dimension long before Einstein's General Theory of Relativity (G.T.R.), with historical usage in diagrams to visualize movement. The discussion emphasizes that while time as a dimension is not unique to G.T.R., its application in General Relativity proves particularly beneficial. The terms "dimension" and "vector" serve to prevent the mixing of different units and facilitate the definition of transformations of conserved quantities across dimensions. The conversation also raises questions about the fundamental definition of "dimension" and its implications in physics.

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  • Understanding of General Relativity (G.T.R.)
  • Familiarity with the concept of dimensions in physics
  • Knowledge of vector mathematics
  • Basic grasp of Euclidean space transformations
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  • Research the historical context of time as a dimension in physics
  • Study the implications of General Relativity on the concept of dimensions
  • Explore vector mathematics and its applications in physics
  • Investigate different types of transformations in various dimensional spaces
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Physicists, students of theoretical physics, and anyone interested in the foundational concepts of dimensions and their applications in General Relativity.

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Since when is Time considered to be a dimension?

Is it after Einstein's G.T.R. or was it considered to be one before it?
 
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karkas said:
Since when is Time considered to be a dimension?

Is it after Einstein's G.T.R. or was it considered to be one before it?

People have used diagrams with time as a dimension long before Einstein/Minkowski. For example in order to visualize movement with a static diagram. There is nothing special about considering a physical quantity to be a dimension. But in GR it proves very useful.
 
The concept of "dimension" and "vector" is just a way for us to keep from mixing different units and also to more easily define any transforms of conserved quantities that there might be between those dimensions, if any. For example, in a Euclidean space, transforms preserve distance. Also, one can imagine spaces in which the transforms are different depending on the particular dimensions involved.
 
Last edited:
Well ... first of all .. what is "dimension"? Whenever you use time or any other physical quantity as the component of some vector (including space components), is it enough to consider it as a dimension ?
 

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