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From Nordan Symposia
Jump to navigationJump to searchNew page: Image:lighterstill.jpg right|frame|<center>Binary Wave</center> In physics, '''spacetime''' is any mathematical model that combines space and [[...
[[Image:lighterstill.jpg]]
[[Image:Binary-wave.jpg|right|frame|<center>Binary Wave</center>]]
In [[physics]], '''spacetime''' is any [[mathematical model]] that combines [[space]] and [[time]] into a single construct called the '''spacetime [[continuum]]'''. Spacetime is usually interpreted with space being three-dimensional and time playing the role of a fourth dimension that is of a different sort than the spatial dimensions. According to certain Euclidean space [[perception]]s, the [[universe]] has three [[dimension]]s of [[space]] and one dimension of time. By combining space and time into a single manifold, physicists have significantly simplified a large number of physical theories, as well as described in a more uniform way the workings of the universe at both the supergalactic and subatomic levels.
In [[classical mechanics]], the use of Euclidean space instead of spacetime is appropriate, as time is treated as [[universal]] and constant, being independent of the state of [[motion]] of an observer. In relativistic [[context]]s, however, time cannot be separated from the three dimensions of space, because the rate at which time passes depends on an object's [[velocity]] relative to the speed of light and also the strength of intense gravitational fields which can slow the passage of time.[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space-time_continuum]
[[Category: Physics]]
[[Image:Binary-wave.jpg|right|frame|<center>Binary Wave</center>]]
In [[physics]], '''spacetime''' is any [[mathematical model]] that combines [[space]] and [[time]] into a single construct called the '''spacetime [[continuum]]'''. Spacetime is usually interpreted with space being three-dimensional and time playing the role of a fourth dimension that is of a different sort than the spatial dimensions. According to certain Euclidean space [[perception]]s, the [[universe]] has three [[dimension]]s of [[space]] and one dimension of time. By combining space and time into a single manifold, physicists have significantly simplified a large number of physical theories, as well as described in a more uniform way the workings of the universe at both the supergalactic and subatomic levels.
In [[classical mechanics]], the use of Euclidean space instead of spacetime is appropriate, as time is treated as [[universal]] and constant, being independent of the state of [[motion]] of an observer. In relativistic [[context]]s, however, time cannot be separated from the three dimensions of space, because the rate at which time passes depends on an object's [[velocity]] relative to the speed of light and also the strength of intense gravitational fields which can slow the passage of time.[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space-time_continuum]
[[Category: Physics]]
