How would a 4th Dimensional Object Move?

In summary, a 4D object, such as a tesseract, does not physically move in the traditional sense of x, y, or z coordinates. It exists as a fixed figure in 4D space. In terms of spacetime, it would be represented as a world line, which does not move but indicates relative velocity. However, in quantum mechanics, there may be a concept of hyper-velocity that could be attributed to particles in order to explain certain phenomena.
  • #1
Blop
6
2
I want to know how a 4D object, (specifically a tesseract) would move in the space of t, not x, y or z.
 
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  • #2
It doesn't. A 4D object is a fixed figure in a 4D space. Just like a given triangle is a fixed figure on a 2D sheet of paper.
 
  • #3
A path in 4D, and I'm assuming you're referring to Spacetime not a Euclidean space, is a world line. So it doesn't move it exists. Some authors do refer to things moving along a world line but I think this is for practicality.

Cheers
 
  • #4
Good point, cosmik debris. The object, continuum and "motion" if not given, will be presumed to be particles (or composites) from the Standard Model, 4D of spacetime (3+1) and velocity in distance/time respectively. Worldlines in a Minkowski spacetime diagram don't themselves move but they do indicate relative velocity as the inverse of slope in that reference frame.

One might construe the "movement" of a worldline but it would have to be defined as some kind of hyper-velocity*. I can imagine a use for such a construct in quantum mechanics, as it relates to phenomena where a single particle seems to pass through two slits at once. That is, to ascribe a wave nature to a particle.

*The term "hypervelocity" is however, already in use to indicate those > 3,000 m/sec.
 

Related to How would a 4th Dimensional Object Move?

1. How would a 4th Dimensional Object Move?

A 4th dimensional object would move in a way that is difficult for us to visualize because we live in a three-dimensional world. It would be able to move in all directions simultaneously, including in the fourth dimension, which is a concept beyond our understanding.

2. Is it possible for a 4th Dimensional Object to move in a straight line?

Yes, it is possible for a 4th dimensional object to move in a straight line. Just like how a 3-dimensional object can move in a straight line in our 3D world, a 4th dimensional object can move in a straight line in its 4D world.

3. Can a 4th Dimensional Object change its shape or form?

Yes, a 4th dimensional object can change its shape or form. In the same way that we can manipulate the shape of a 3-dimensional object by stretching or compressing it, a 4th dimensional object would be able to do the same in its 4D world.

4. How would a 4th Dimensional Object interact with our 3D world?

A 4th dimensional object would interact with our 3D world in ways that we cannot fully comprehend. It may appear to suddenly appear or disappear, change shape, or move in ways that seem impossible to us. This is because our brains are not equipped to process or understand 4th dimensional phenomena.

5. Can humans ever experience the movement of a 4th Dimensional Object?

Based on our current understanding and limitations, it is unlikely that humans will ever be able to physically experience the movement of a 4th dimensional object. However, through mathematics and theoretical physics, we can gain a better understanding of how a 4th dimensional object may move and behave.

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