2006-07-04 22:43:44 · 12 answers · asked by charles peter 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
I like your question... :-)
Scientists say that a universe (or a medium) is isotropic if its physical properties are the same in all directions.
In an isotropic universe, if I measure a distance from A to B and compare it with the same measure from B to A, I will find exactly the same distance.
BUT many scientists aren't even sure that our universe is isotropic.
In this case, it is not even sure that d(A-B) = d(B-A), because the metric properties aren't the same whether I start measure from A to B or from B to A.
Summarize: AB can be different from BA in case of anisotropic medium.
2006-07-04 23:11:19 · answer #1 · answered by Axel ∇ 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A to B can be a different distance to B to A.
A to B can't be a different displacement to B to A.
Distance is how far you have travelled. Imagine a semicircle with A and B at the end of the straight line. The distance from A to B along the straight line is shorted than the distance from B to A along the curved line.
Displacement is the distance from from a point only and therefore A to B will have the same displacement as B to A.
2006-07-05 05:50:55 · answer #2 · answered by The Yeti 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. Going to a location you would travel on one side of the road/highway. On the way back , you would be on the other side. When you take a turn, you will be on either the inside lane(a shorter distance), or the outside lane(a greater distance). On the way back this will be reversed. Depending on the route taken and the total distance, there can be several miles difference.
2006-07-05 05:51:36 · answer #3 · answered by Ice_Man_VL 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes , from B u have to come all the way after reaching Z. it is quite a long distance compare to, from A to B.
2006-07-05 05:51:29 · answer #4 · answered by Amod M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In conventional space, no. Conventional space is an example of a "metric space", in which any two points are separated by a definite distance. However, one can conceive of spaces that are not metric, and these can be of some mathematical interest.
2006-07-05 05:49:59 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A and B is on a circle...clockwise and counter clockwise distance may be different.
2006-07-05 05:49:55 · answer #6 · answered by midas 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes and no! it depend on a lot of factors !
the relative velocity of each of the position ! the relative velocity of the observer and the frame of observance and the location of each position! and since legth is a relative quantity it also depends upon other facors!
2006-07-05 06:48:31 · answer #7 · answered by jivdex 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If B and A are moving away from or towards each other, then it is possible.
2006-07-05 05:50:12 · answer #8 · answered by pranesh81 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it is possible when A & B both or one of them moves with speed of order 10^8m/sec or say 0.01c or higher.{Sorry if not satisfied.}
2006-07-05 06:05:30 · answer #9 · answered by Arnav G 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, if you go back the way you came.
2006-07-05 05:52:16 · answer #10 · answered by Jade Ariana 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋