What Is the Fourth Dimension: Time, Space, or Something Else?

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The fourth dimension is primarily understood as time, distinct from the three spatial dimensions. Unlike spatial dimensions, time does not allow for backward movement, adhering to the concept of an arrow of time that indicates the direction of increasing entropy. In general relativity, time is treated as a dimension similar to space, allowing for a blend of the two, where time can be perceived differently by different observers. Quantum physics suggests that the laws governing time are symmetrical, indicating a potential gap in our comprehension of time. The discussion highlights the complexity of time's relationship with space and the challenges in conceptualizing movement within the fourth dimension.
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What is a fourth dimension?? Is this time or any other space coordinate??
 
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The fourth dimension is time.
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Reference:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fourth_dimension"
 
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Different from 3 other dimensions, time can not go backward.
 
Dimensions, like space and time, don't "go" anywhere.
There is an arrow of time, which tells us in which direction overall entropy is expected to be greatest.
In general relativity, time is treated as just another dimension.
Also, in quantum physics, the laws of nature are the same forwards and backwards in time.
Some physicists argue this speaks to a weakness in our understanding of time.
 
There are 3 space dimensions and 1 time dimension. In everyday life and in Newtonian physics, time is completely separate from space, and everyone has the same time. In relativity, time and space become mixable - what is time for you could be space for me.
 
atyy said:
There are 3 space dimensions and 1 time dimension. In everyday life and in Newtonian physics, time is completely separate from space, and everyone has the same time. In relativity, time and space become mixable - what is time for you could be space for me.

Yeah, this is true in some analytical instruments which I have to work with. When you don't have space, time can be fractmented into very small parts and they are treated such as spaces. One example is : the Ion Trap vs the QQQ.
By the way, who can show me a point can be moved in the 4 dimension both forward and backward in time direction?
 

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