Is Time Really Flowing in Relativity?

In summary, time is considered a dimension in relativity, similar to space. Depending on one's motion, time can experience dilation, simultaneity, and length contraction. The concept of time flowing is not applicable in relativity, making the questions about it unanswerable.
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TheQuestionGuy14
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In relativity, time is a dimension like space, a co-ordinate system. Depending on your motion, your co-ordinates shift and this leads to time dilation, simultaneity and length contraction. So, does time flow at all in relativity? Does time 'move forward'? If not, what would be different if time did indeed flow?
 
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  • #2
This is not a question. Like many of your posts, it's a random collection of scientific sounding words.
 
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  • #3
TheQuestionGuy14 said:
does time flow at all in relativity? Does time 'move forward'? If not, what would be different if time did indeed flow?

"Time flowing" is not well-defined, so these questions are not answerable.

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FAQ: Is Time Really Flowing in Relativity?

What is the theory of relativity?

The theory of relativity is a scientific theory developed by Albert Einstein in the early 20th century. It is divided into two parts: the special theory of relativity and the general theory of relativity. The theory explains the relationship between space and time, and how they are affected by gravity.

How does the theory of relativity affect time?

The theory of relativity states that time is relative and can be affected by factors such as speed and gravity. This means that time can appear to pass slower or faster depending on an observer's frame of reference. For example, time will appear to pass slower for someone traveling at high speeds compared to someone at rest.

Is time a constant in the theory of relativity?

No, time is not a constant in the theory of relativity. According to the theory, time can be stretched or compressed depending on the relative motion or gravitational pull of objects. This concept is known as time dilation and has been proven through various experiments and observations.

Does the theory of relativity apply to everyday life?

Yes, the theory of relativity applies to everyday life. While the effects of relativity may not be noticeable in our daily lives, they are constantly at play. GPS systems, for example, must account for the slight time dilation caused by the satellites orbiting the Earth in order to accurately calculate locations.

Can the theory of relativity be proven?

Yes, the theory of relativity has been extensively tested and has been proven to be accurate. Many experiments, such as the measurement of the precession of Mercury's orbit and the observation of gravitational lensing, have confirmed the predictions of the theory. Additionally, the use of relativity in technologies such as GPS and particle accelerators further supports its validity.

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