According to the postulates of the theory of relativity, a fourth dimension has been added to three dimensions already associated with the Cartesian frame of reference. Which is the fourth dimension?
Correct answer: D. Time
- A. Space
- B. Inertial frame of reference
- C. Speed of light
- D. Time
Explanation
In Physics, a dimension can be defined as the magnitude of something in a particular direction. Everything that surrounds us is made up of three dimensions. These are known as three-dimensional or 3D objects. Before we look into the fourth dimension, first we need to understand the first three dimensions. The zero dimension For example, let's take a sheet of paper. Place a dot on the paper. A dot does not have a direction or a magnitude. So, we can say that this dot does not have any dimensions. Let's call this a zero dimension (0D). Image showing the first three dimensions for the geometry of the fourth dimension and the space-time continuum 0D, 1D, 2D, and 3D. The first dimension Next, from this dot, let's draw a straight line along the x-axis. Now, we can measure the length of this line. So, we can say that this line has only one dimension. This is called a one-dimensional object or 1D. The second dimension Next, from this line, draw lines on both ends along the y-axis and convert this into a square. Now, for this square, we can measure both its length and width. As we can measure both its length and width, now we can say that this square has two dimensions. These are called two-dimensional or 2D objects. The third dimension Next, from this square, draw lines along the z-axis and convert this into a cube. Now, we can measure not only its length and width but also its height. As we can measure its length, width, and height, now we can say that this cube has three dimensions. These are called three-dimensional or 3D objects. Three-dimensional objects for the geometry of the fourth dimension and the space-time continuum 3D objects Similarly, objects that we see around us have length, width, and height making them three-dimensional. The fourth dimension and the space-time continuum In 1905, Albert Einstein published his Special theory of relativity which considers time as the fourth dimension. Let's take a look at the cube again. As long as the cube is stationary, we can pinpoint its position along the x,y and z-axis. But, what if this cube starts moving? How can we pinpoint its exact position? To say the position of this moving object, Einstein introduced a dimension called "Time" into this 3D space. You may wonder how can "Time" be a dimension. For something to be a dimension, it must have a direction and a magnitude. Similarly, time can be measured (ex: seconds). And, time always flows in the forward direction. So, Einstein considered time as the fourth dimension. Now, with the help of time, we can pinpoint the exact location of this moving cube. Time for the fourth dimension and the space-time continuum Time is the fourth dimension.For example, we can say that at 8:00 am this cube was at a particular downward position (x,y,z) and at 9:00 am it was at an upward location (x,y,z) with the help of time. A:
This question appeared on the ETEA MDCAT 2005 paper, which you can sit online with every answer explained.
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