I think this has been asked before, but...
The metric of space-time is expanding, right? So, shouldn't time be expanding along with space? If time were to expand, would we notice at all, or would it take us longer think thoughts and to perceive everything, perfectly balancing out the effect from our perspective so that we didn't notice?
2007-10-17 15:13:20 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
Frank N, I am pretty sure that the metric of space itself is what is expanding. I used to think it was merely the collective body of all matter in the universe that was expanding outward, but then I read this article.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metric_expansion_of_space
"In the metric expansion of space, rather than objects in a fixed "space" moving apart into "emptiness", it is the space that contains the objects which is itself changing. It is as if without objects themselves moving, space is somehow "growing" in between them."
2007-10-19 16:03:25 · update #1
Although we know that space and time are just two different aspects of a single thing, space-time, and that they are hopelessly entangled and inseparable, that does not mean that the two are somehow interchangeable.
Even if space is expanding that does not mean that time is also expanding.
Time is not a thing, with a size and a shape, and therefore it cannot expand per se.
Our traditional units of time - hours, minutes, seconds - were chosen quite arbitrarily, but they are unaltered by the expansion of space-time and the universe at large.
Even if it were possible for time to expand, it would be impossible to measure or even detect.
The expansion would be without meaning.
2007-10-24 10:23:44 · answer #1 · answered by farwallronny 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Who told you the metric of spacetime is expanding? The body of matter and energy in the universe is expanding. If you view space as the relationship between objects, then the extent of spacetime is expanding, not spacetime itself. If you view space independent of objects, then the matter/energy of the universe is expanding into space.
Update: In my opinion, that Wikipedia article doesn't adequately represent the difficulties with that opinion. That's why it isn't universally accepted. Of those who hold the view, I think few consider that the 'time' part of spacetime is expanding.
2007-10-17 17:46:51 · answer #2 · answered by Frank N 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That is an interesting question. The expansion of the universe seems to be accelerating but maybe the expansion is constant and in it's the "present" that is accelerating.
2007-10-17 16:46:09 · answer #3 · answered by Michael da Man 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Even though it is a different time in another part of the world, each side is still living the same moment.
I.E, our concept of time doesn't fit with that hypothesis. Still, the answer to your question is a big fat, "We don't know."
Can't wait for the answer, however
2007-10-17 17:29:05 · answer #4 · answered by ryoma136 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
space and time are not absolute they are variables as suggested by the Albert. you are confusing the biological clock of yours with the time which ticks in the universe which is full of uncertaniities. even today we do not know for sure whether time flows forward or backwards or whether time in itself is forzen and just a illusion...........
2007-10-17 15:28:06 · answer #5 · answered by vijay k 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
yes` every year the hour changes to seem it 's getting more more more time every winter that's it` occasionally around june they tell children & make curfews So irresponsible teenager's to go to sleep because they still want to save some time*
2007-10-19 21:17:21 · answer #6 · answered by mr.antonio@att.net 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
...oh, I'm sorry, can't help you with that one. I was too busy zoning out on your gorgeous avatar and forgot the question! :)
2007-10-17 22:56:48 · answer #7 · answered by HisChamp1 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋