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

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of the fourth dimension, specifically whether it is time, another spatial dimension, or something else entirely. Participants explore theoretical implications, distinctions between time and space, and the nature of dimensions in physics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that the fourth dimension is time, while others suggest it could be another spatial coordinate.
  • One participant notes that time cannot go backward, contrasting it with spatial dimensions.
  • Another participant discusses the concept of the arrow of time and its relation to entropy, indicating that time is treated as a dimension in general relativity.
  • There is mention of the mixability of time and space in relativity, where what is perceived as time for one observer could be space for another.
  • A later reply introduces the idea that in certain analytical instruments, time can be fragmented and treated as spatial dimensions.
  • One participant challenges others to demonstrate how a point can be moved both forward and backward in the time direction within the fourth dimension.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the nature of the fourth dimension, with some agreeing that it is time while others propose alternative interpretations. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the exact nature and implications of the fourth dimension.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the definitions of dimensions and the assumptions underlying the statements made, particularly in the context of relativity and quantum physics.

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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"
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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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