' (Decay in the narrowest sense of its time/space meaning.)
2007-11-04 08:36:25 · 6 answers · asked by te144 7 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
"Dimension" in physics just means a continuous degree of freedom. Our universe has four primative dynamical degrees of freedom (3 spatial and one temporal) for all localized events. The means these are the ultimate independent variables of the equations of motion which describe the laws of physics. Time took on new meaning in special relativity when it was discovered that the difference between time and space intervals between different events depended on one's frame of reference (one man's time can be another man's space).
2007-11-04 09:08:22 · answer #1 · answered by Dr. R 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Time is the clinchpin of all other dimensions. If there were no time, 5 meters would be equal to 25 meters. What is a measure of distance other than how long it takes to get there? Don't think of dimensions in terms of directionality, think of them as a plane travelled through. This is the simple, non-physics explanation. Hope it helps. If you need the high-tech version, let me know.
2007-11-04 16:47:45 · answer #2 · answered by anwineguy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
all a dimension is is something you can move through or how you move....Length width and height are all directions you can move in and are also the first 3 dimensions of space but you can also move through time if nothing
one thing i find wrong though is that measureable time is man made if nothing moved or nothing changed then there would be only 3 dimensions but because we can move forward in time we have a 4th dimension....confusing i know but it's the best i can do to explain it simply.
2007-11-04 16:41:02 · answer #3 · answered by irishboyjune 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Time is not a physical dimension of any sort. It's kind of like Shrek in 4D at Universal Studios because they spray perfume and water. It's a misuse of the word. There is nothing else than 3D possible in our world.
2007-11-04 16:39:51 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I agree with Barbour in "The End of Time" that it doesn't exist.
It is a perceptual matter. Decay of 3D matter doesn't make it a dimensional construct. The motion and malleability of material reality demonstrates this.
2007-11-04 16:43:31 · answer #5 · answered by MysticMaze 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
watch the vid on here (click the swirly numbers)
http://www.tenthdimension.com/flash2.php
it is very very good. and it should help you to see a greater meaning of 'time' as well as just being an interesting video
2007-11-04 16:50:24 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋