2006-09-20 04:29:11 · 18 answers · asked by nj_stevenson1959 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Other - Science
The concept of a fourth dimension is one that is often described in considering its physical implications; that is, we know that in three dimensions, we have dimensions of length (or depth), width, and height. The fourth dimension is orthogonal to the other three spatial dimensions. The cardinal directions in the three known dimensions are called up/down (altitude), north/south (longitude), and east/west (latitude). When speaking of the fourth dimension, an additional pair of terms is needed. Attested terms include ana/kata (sometimes called spissitude or spassitude), vinn/vout (used by Rudy Rucker), and upsilon/delta.
The fourth dimension is often identified with time, and as such is used to explain space-time in Einstein's theories of special relativity and general relativity. In this case, the concept of an additional spatial dimension would be referred to as the fifth dimension. generally we discuss the implications of considering the fourth dimension as another spatial dimension
2006-09-20 04:37:43 · answer #1 · answered by electro111 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If you want to describe an historical event exactly you need 4 numbers. On earth they would be latitude, longitude, how high up/ low down it happened (altitude) and when it happened. Three of those numbers describe where. They are to do with space, but you also want to know when, so the 4th and last number is to do with time. That is why it is called the 4th dimension. In principle it is that simple.
A next question of course is ‘how many time dimensions could there be?’
2006-09-23 06:45:53 · answer #2 · answered by Richard T 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What has been stated so far is correct, time is what composes the fourth dimension. But, that is not the end of the answer.
Mass is formed of electromagnetic energy. This energy is formed, first, into electrons, which are then formed into other forms of matter. What this does, is to give all mass and energy forms a common value of "c". Notice in the physics trilogy that the basis of each equation is that of time "c2" (E = mc2, m = E/c2, and c2 = E/m). The values of mass and energy are able to change in value, but the value of c2 always remains the same. The value of c2 is that of physical time, and is the value that all forms of existence are formed of.
Were all mass of our universe to be reduced to their lowest form, it would be of electromagnetic energy. At this time the universe would have become one-dimensional. It is this dimension that is said to be the fourth-dimension. In reality is is the very basis of the other three.
http://360.yahoo.com/noddarc The Problem and Repair of Relativity"
2006-09-20 13:46:22 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Time is the fourth dimension
2006-09-20 11:46:44 · answer #4 · answered by bikerman 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Time
2006-09-22 07:44:38 · answer #5 · answered by lauriekins 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Time
2006-09-20 11:32:48 · answer #6 · answered by Alfred E. Newman 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Time
2006-09-20 11:31:20 · answer #7 · answered by helen g 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The answer is generally believed to be time, however it depends on which system of reference you mean. I suspect you are refering to conventional euclidian geometry. Superstring theory has 8 and 10 dimension systems.
2006-09-20 11:43:57 · answer #8 · answered by gbiaki 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Speculations on the 4th dimension
2006-09-20 11:39:41 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Time.
2006-09-20 11:37:30 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋