Frame of Ref: dx Observed as dt?

In summary, the character of a displacement interval is determined by the metric tensor at the event and is not affected by the choice of observer. The fact that the 'r' coordinate switches from space-like to time-like at the event horizon does not change this. All observers will agree on the nature of a displacement interval in a given frame of reference.
  • #1
eljose79
1,518
1
given a frame of reference s In General Relativity in which you meassure an interval of space dx, could we have another frame S`so the observer in that S`see that dx observed in S as a time interval dt?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
eljose79 said:
given a frame of reference s In General Relativity in which you meassure an interval of space dx, could we have another frame S`so the observer in that S`see that dx observed in S as a time interval dt?

If you are asking
"Could [in a small neighborhood] a displacement interval be determined to be spacelike (i.e., have negative square-norm) to one observer but timelike (i.e., have positive square-norm) to another observer?",
the answer is no.
The character of the displacement interval is determined by the metric tensor at the event, not by the choice an observer at that event.
 
  • #3
eljose79 said:
given a frame of reference s In General Relativity in which you meassure an interval of space dx, could we have another frame S`so the observer in that S`see that dx observed in S as a time interval dt?

I don't think so. A spacelike interval will remain spacelike for all observers, a timlike interval will remain timelike.
 
  • #4
In anither thread (about Black Holes) somone mentioned reading that, at the EH, spacelike worldlines become timelike and vise-versa. Is this incorrect?
 
  • #5
In the Schwartzschild metric, the "radial" direction out side the horizon switches to a time direction inside. This again is a feature of that coordinate system.
 
  • #6
LURCH said:
In anither thread (about Black Holes) somone mentioned reading that, at the EH, spacelike worldlines become timelike and vise-versa. Is this incorrect?

No, it is correct that at the event horizon the 'r' coordinate switches roles from being space-like to time-like. However, the original question was whether some specific interval could be considered space-like by one observer, and time-like by another. The fact that the r-coordiante is time-like inside the event horizon and space-like outside does not imply that different observers see the same interval differently. _All_ observers will agree that some vector pointing in the 'r' direction is spacelike when r is outside the event horizon. And they'll agree that a different vector r1 located inside the event horizon is timelike.
 

FAQ: Frame of Ref: dx Observed as dt?

What is the "Frame of Ref: dx Observed as dt" concept?

The "Frame of Ref: dx Observed as dt" concept refers to the idea that the measurement of the change in position (dx) of an object can be observed and described differently depending on the frame of reference (dt) from which it is being measured.

Why is understanding the "Frame of Ref: dx Observed as dt" important in science?

Understanding the "Frame of Ref: dx Observed as dt" is important in science because it allows us to accurately describe the movement and interactions of objects in the physical world. Different frames of reference can result in different measurements and observations, so it is crucial to consider the correct frame of reference when making scientific observations and calculations.

How does the "Frame of Ref: dx Observed as dt" concept relate to Einstein's theory of relativity?

The "Frame of Ref: dx Observed as dt" concept is a fundamental aspect of Einstein's theory of relativity. It highlights the idea that the laws of physics are the same for all observers, regardless of their relative motion. This means that the measurements and observations of an event may differ depending on the observer's frame of reference, but the underlying physical laws remain unchanged.

Can you provide an example of the "Frame of Ref: dx Observed as dt" concept in action?

One example of the "Frame of Ref: dx Observed as dt" concept in action is the phenomenon of time dilation. According to Einstein's theory of relativity, time passes slower for objects in motion compared to those at rest. This means that the measurement of time (dt) will be different for observers in different frames of reference, even though they are observing the same event.

How can we apply the "Frame of Ref: dx Observed as dt" concept in practical situations?

The "Frame of Ref: dx Observed as dt" concept can be applied in practical situations, such as in navigation and satellite communication. By understanding the concept, scientists and engineers can accurately calculate and adjust for the differences in measurements and observations from different frames of reference, ensuring more precise and reliable results.

Back
Top