Interchangeability of time and space

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In summary, at velocities that we deal with in normal life, we have the freedom of our time axis, but not for the space co-ordinate axis.
  • #1
thebiggerbang
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Recently, when I was talking with my friends, one of them noted that as an object approaches c, there takes places an exchange in the characteristics of time and space. In simple words, what does this mean, if true?
 
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  • #2
Nothing like that happens when an object approaches c. For example, even if the relative velocity between observers A and B is 0.999999999999999c, A and B still agree on whether the relationship between events P and Q is, say, timelike.

Something like that does happen when you cross the event horizon of a black hole.

Does your friend really mean "approaches," or does s/he mean "surpasses?" If the latter, then the question doesn't really make sense, because a material observer can't surpass c by any continuous process of acceleration. We have a FAQ about this: https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=511170
 
  • #3
Thanks. He surely meant approaches. Now I don't know if he was bluffing or so. I can't recollect his exact words but what I read after I Googled was like, "in the early 1900s, Minkowski and Einstein found that space and time are interchangeable and replaced them with spacetime for rigorous scientific purposes."

How far is that valid, do you think?
 
  • #4
Also, here is what was trying to convey, which I suppose is highly improbable
"at velocities that we deal with in normal life, we have the freedom in the space co-ordinates, but time always flows by in one specific direction. So, as we approach higher velocities, tending to c, is it that we have the freedom of our time axis, but not for the space co-ordinate axis?"

Can you make any sense out of it?
 
  • #5
Oh wait. You are Benjamin Crowell, aren't you? OMG :O Your lightandmatter texts are the gospel truth for me, here in India! I'd better go and read your book on relativity again!
 
  • #6
thebiggerbang said:
Thanks. He surely meant approaches. Now I don't know if he was bluffing or so. I can't recollect his exact words but what I read after I Googled was like, "in the early 1900s, Minkowski and Einstein found that space and time are interchangeable and replaced them with spacetime for rigorous scientific purposes."

How far is that valid, do you think?

Well, there's a certain symmetry between the way space and time are treated in relativity, but they're not totally interchangeable.

thebiggerbang said:
Also, here is what was trying to convey, which I suppose is highly improbable
"at velocities that we deal with in normal life, we have the freedom in the space co-ordinates, but time always flows by in one specific direction. So, as we approach higher velocities, tending to c, is it that we have the freedom of our time axis, but not for the space co-ordinate axis?"

Can you make any sense out of it?

This way of saying it doesn't really make sense to me, because it seems to be saying that at low speeds X happens, but at high speeds Y happens. An observer going at .99999999999c in some frame can also be considered as being at rest in her own frame.
 
  • #7
The inter - changing of space - like coordinates and time - like coordinates has a specific meaning in GR. As Ben already stated, past the EH of a black hole the space - like and time - like coordinates inter - change in the metric. I don't quite understand the statement you got from your google search regarding the inter - changing; maybe it is talking about proper time consisting of both time - like and space - like components.
 

FAQ: Interchangeability of time and space

1. What is the concept of interchangeability of time and space?

The interchangeability of time and space is a scientific concept that suggests that time and space are not two separate entities, but rather two interrelated aspects of the same thing. This concept is based on the theory of relativity, which proposes that time and space are relative and can be interchangeable depending on the observer's perspective.

2. How does the concept of interchangeability of time and space affect our understanding of the universe?

The concept of interchangeability of time and space has revolutionized our understanding of the universe. It has helped us realize that time and space are not absolute, but rather dependent on the observer's frame of reference. This has led to significant advancements in fields such as cosmology and astrophysics, allowing us to better understand the behavior of objects in the universe.

3. Can time and space really be interchangeable?

While the concept of interchangeability of time and space may seem counterintuitive, it has been proven by numerous experiments and observations. The famous experiment by Albert Einstein, known as the "twin paradox," demonstrated that time and space can be interchangeable, depending on the observer's relative motion. This has been further supported by other experiments and observations, confirming the validity of this concept.

4. How does the concept of interchangeability of time and space relate to time travel?

The concept of interchangeability of time and space is closely related to time travel. According to this concept, time and space are not fixed, but rather can be manipulated and altered. This has led to the theory that time travel may be possible, as it suggests that traveling through time would also involve traveling through space.

5. What are the implications of the interchangeability of time and space in everyday life?

The concept of interchangeability of time and space has significant implications in our daily lives. It has led to advancements in technologies such as GPS, which relies on the understanding of how time and space are interconnected. It has also influenced our perception of time and space, allowing us to think beyond the traditional linear concept of time and understand the multidimensional nature of the universe.

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