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

In summary, the concept of time as a dimension has been used since before Einstein's General Theory of Relativity, as it helps in visualizing movement and keeping track of different units and transforms. However, in GR, the concept becomes particularly useful in understanding conserved quantities and their transforms in different dimensions. The definition of "dimension" can vary depending on the context and use of physical quantities as components of vectors.
  • #1
karkas
132
1
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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  • #2
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.
 
  • #3
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.
 
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  • #4
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 ?
 

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

1. What is the concept of time as a dimension?

The concept of time as a dimension refers to the idea that time is just as much a part of our physical reality as length, width, and height. This means that time can be measured, and just like the other dimensions, it can be affected by gravity and other forces.

2. How did Einstein's General Theory of Relativity impact our understanding of time as a dimension?

Einstein's General Theory of Relativity revolutionized our understanding of time as a dimension by showing that time is not absolute, but rather relative to the observer and can be affected by gravity. It also introduced the concept of spacetime, where time and space are intertwined and cannot be separated.

3. What is the difference between time as a dimension and time as a measurement?

Time as a dimension refers to the physical aspect of time, where it is treated as a part of our physical reality. Time as a measurement, on the other hand, refers to the units and systems we use to measure time, such as seconds, minutes, and hours.

4. Can time travel be possible if time is considered a dimension?

The concept of time travel is still a subject of debate and is not yet possible with our current understanding of physics. While time as a dimension allows for the possibility of traveling through time, the complexities of spacetime and the laws of physics make it difficult to achieve in reality.

5. How does the theory of relativity explain the effects of time dilation?

Time dilation, the phenomenon where time moves slower for an object moving at high speeds, can be explained by Einstein's theory of relativity. This theory states that the faster an object moves, the slower time will pass for it, relative to a stationary observer. This has been proven through experiments and is a crucial aspect of understanding time as a dimension.

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