Timelike v. spacelike, is it arbitrary?

  • Thread starter BruceW
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In summary, the conversation revolves around the use of different terms for proper time and proper length in general relativity. The main reason for using a definition that does not differentiate between the two is that in general relativity, coordinate time is often not defined, and calculations can still be done without considering the distinction. However, some argue that the difference between proper time and proper length is not artificial and should still be acknowledged. Additionally, there is a discussion about the possibility of defining arc length along a null curve and the use of non-standard definitions in physics. It is ultimately concluded that using standard definitions is crucial for effective communication, especially when helping others with homework.
  • #176
ah ok, I need to read more about this kind of stuff. I've just found some university websites that are pretty good. (wikipedia's explanation was pointing me in the wrong direction, by the way it was worded).
 
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  • #178
thanks dude! that does look good. I'll definitely have a read if it is in my uni library - one of the perks of being at a university ;)
 
<h2>1. What is the difference between timelike and spacelike?</h2><p>Timelike and spacelike are two different types of intervals in spacetime. A timelike interval is one in which the distance between two events is greater than zero, meaning that the two events can be causally connected. A spacelike interval is one in which the distance between two events is zero or less, meaning that the two events cannot be causally connected.</p><h2>2. How do timelike and spacelike intervals affect the measurement of time and space?</h2><p>Timelike intervals are associated with the measurement of time, as they involve events that can be causally connected. Spacelike intervals, on the other hand, are associated with the measurement of space, as they involve events that cannot be causally connected.</p><h2>3. Is the distinction between timelike and spacelike arbitrary?</h2><p>No, the distinction between timelike and spacelike intervals is not arbitrary. It is based on the fundamental principles of causality and the structure of spacetime in the theory of relativity.</p><h2>4. How do timelike and spacelike intervals relate to the concept of causality?</h2><p>The concept of causality is closely related to timelike and spacelike intervals. Timelike intervals allow for causally connected events, meaning that one event can influence the other. Spacelike intervals, on the other hand, do not allow for causally connected events, meaning that one event cannot influence the other.</p><h2>5. Can timelike and spacelike intervals coexist?</h2><p>Yes, timelike and spacelike intervals can coexist in spacetime. This is because spacetime is a four-dimensional structure in which both time and space are interconnected and cannot be separated. Therefore, both timelike and spacelike intervals can exist simultaneously in different regions of spacetime.</p>

1. What is the difference between timelike and spacelike?

Timelike and spacelike are two different types of intervals in spacetime. A timelike interval is one in which the distance between two events is greater than zero, meaning that the two events can be causally connected. A spacelike interval is one in which the distance between two events is zero or less, meaning that the two events cannot be causally connected.

2. How do timelike and spacelike intervals affect the measurement of time and space?

Timelike intervals are associated with the measurement of time, as they involve events that can be causally connected. Spacelike intervals, on the other hand, are associated with the measurement of space, as they involve events that cannot be causally connected.

3. Is the distinction between timelike and spacelike arbitrary?

No, the distinction between timelike and spacelike intervals is not arbitrary. It is based on the fundamental principles of causality and the structure of spacetime in the theory of relativity.

4. How do timelike and spacelike intervals relate to the concept of causality?

The concept of causality is closely related to timelike and spacelike intervals. Timelike intervals allow for causally connected events, meaning that one event can influence the other. Spacelike intervals, on the other hand, do not allow for causally connected events, meaning that one event cannot influence the other.

5. Can timelike and spacelike intervals coexist?

Yes, timelike and spacelike intervals can coexist in spacetime. This is because spacetime is a four-dimensional structure in which both time and space are interconnected and cannot be separated. Therefore, both timelike and spacelike intervals can exist simultaneously in different regions of spacetime.

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