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Whether they are theologians, lay people, or non-believers, most have at least anecdotally heard of the miracle of Jesus walking on water. Many important lessons and insights can be gleaned from this important passage, including testimony to the identity of Jesus that bolsters belief in Him and His deity and a non-trivial display of Jesus' power over His creation. However, was God trying to convey more than just His ability to elude physics, and displaying His authority over the dimension of time and its creation? The dimension of time is an elusive and much debated dimension that is difficult to understand, and in the context of God and heaven, it is in many respects beyond human comprehension. However, as expressed by Albert Einstein, "the distinction between the past, present and future is only a stubbornly persistent illusion." This illusion can only be unlocked by God, and thus it was created by God. In this article, the miracle of Jesus walking on water is explored in relation to the phenomenon of gravitational time dilation; it is considered as an instance that reveals God's relation to time, as well as the complexity and awesomeness of creation in general. We show that the equations for time dilation around a massive body may serve as a model to show the independence of God from His creation of spacetime. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Relativistic time deals with concepts as spacetime and time dilation. I will try to explain this as clearly as possible. To explain the concept of spacetime is not at all impossible, although it is four-dimensional. But that means that we define it using four numbers. If we describe us through age, weight, height, and IQ, that would be a fourdimensional representation of us. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This essay weaves together elements of the concepts of spacetime, demons and the U.S. popular culture concept of demon time to postulate the end of the world and bring a conclusion to white supremacist and anti-African American worlds. Topics discussed are Black posthumanism as the foundation of Black transhumanism or technological materialization, time dilation as an element for understanding how African Americans experience time, and demon time as a way to bring African American realities.

The precision of optical atomic clocks is approaching a regime where they resolve gravitational time dilation on smaller scales than their own extensions. Hence, an accurate description of quantum clocks has to take their spatial extension into account. In this article, as a first step toward a fully relativistic description of extended quantum clocks, we investigate a quantized version of Einstein's light clock fixed at a constant distance from a large massive object like the Earth. The model consists of a quantum light field in a one-dimensional cavity in Schwarzschild spacetime, where the distance between the mirrors is fixed by a rigid rod. By comparing a vertical and a horizontal clock, we propose an operational way to define the clock time when the clock resolves gravitational time dilation on scales smaller than its extension. In particular, we show that the time measured by the vertical light clock is equivalent to the proper time defined at its center. We also derive fundamental bounds on the precision of these clocks for measurements of proper time and the Schwarzschild radius. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this work is to derive the structure of Minkowski spacetime using a Hermitian spin basis. This Hermitian spin basis is analogous to the Pauli spin basis. The derived Minkowski metric is then employed to obtain the corresponding Lorentz factors, potential Lie algebra, effects on gamma matrices and complex representations of relativistic time dilation and length contraction. The main results, a discussion of the potential applications and future research directions are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We review a theorem of Gao‐Wald on a kind of a gravitational "time delay" effect in null geodesically complete spacetimes under NEC and NGC, and we observe that it is not valid anymore throughout its statement, as well as a conclusion that there is a class of cosmological models where particle horizons are absent, if one substituted the manifold topology with a finer (spacetime) topology. Since topologies of the Zeeman‐Göbel class incorporate the causal, differential, and conformal structure of a spacetime and there are serious mathematical arguments in favour of such topologies and against the manifold topology, there is a strong evidence that "time dilation" theorems of this kind are topological in nature rather than having a particular physical meaning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The principle of mental gravity contends that the mind uses physical gravity as a mental model or simulacrum to express the relation between the inner self and the outer world in terms of "UP"-ness and "DOWN"-ness. The simulation of increased gravity characterises a continuum of mental gravity which states includes depression as the paradigmatic example of being down, low, heavy, and slow. The physics of gravity can also be used to model spacetime curvature in depression, particularly gravitational time dilation as a property of MG analogous to subjective time dilation (i.e., the slowing of temporal flow in conscious experience). The principle has profound implications for the Temporo-spatial Theory of Consciousness (TTC) with regard to temporo-spatial alignment that establishes a "world-brain relation" that is centred on embodiment and the socialisation of conscious states. The principle of mental gravity provides the TTC with a way to incorporate the structure of the world into the structure of the brain, conscious experience, and thought. In concert with other theories of cognitive and neurobiological spacetime, the TTC can also work towards the "common currency" approach that also potentially connects the TTC to predictive processing frameworks such as free energy, neuronal gauge theories, and active inference accounts of depression. It gives the up/down dimension of space, as defined by the gravitational field, a unique status that is connected to both our embodied interaction with the physical world, and also the inverse, reflective, emotional but still embodied experience of ourselves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Abstract Interplays between quantum physics and gravity have long inspired exciting studies, which reveal subtle connections between quantum laws and the general notion of curved spacetime. One important example is the uniqueness of free-falling motions in both quantum and gravitational physics. In this work, we re-investigate the free-falling motions of quantum test wave packets that are distributed over weakly curved spacetime backgrounds. Except for the de Broglie relations, no assumption of priori given Hamiltonians or least actions satisfied by the quantum system is made. We find that the mean motions of quantum test wave packets can be deduced naturally from the de Broglie relations with a generalized treatment of gravitational time dilations in quantum waves. Such mean motions of quantum test masses in gravitational field are independent of their masses and compositions, and restore exactly the free-falling or geodesic motions of classical test masses in curved spacetime. This suggests a novel perspective that weak equivalence principle, which states the universality of free-fall, may be deeply rooted in quantum physics and be a phenomenon that has emerged from the quantum world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our mind seems to be formatted to imagine a "motionless" material particle (or more accurately a region of spacetime at rest relative to that material particle) fixed in space as an absolute reference and to consider the existence of space and time as independent universal entities, as we perceive when we measure them with a ruler and a clock, respectively. Instead, let us first hypothesize that singularities are the absolute reference for the universe, that the speed of light in vacuum (c = 299 792 458 m/s) is universal and absolute, and that deceleration/acceleration is the "driving force" that defines spacetime. Frames of reference anchored on material particles/objects may be grouped as having zero acceleration (inertial frames), nonzero, constant acceleration (pseudoinertial frames) or nonzero, variable acceleration (noninertial proper frames), so that a noninertial proper frame may be considered as composed of an infinite number of pseudoinertial frames. The universality of c is ensured by its absolute constancy, when both observer and moving beam of photons are in frames of reference differing neither in speed nor in acceleration, as is the case within inertial or pseudoinertial frames, respectively. However, its value (as that of any other speed) is measured as different when the observer is at an inertial or pseudoinertial frame and the beam of photons is moving in another, thus differing in Lorentz factor (c) or acceleration, respectively. Speed, velocity, and acceleration (including the effect of gravity on a material particle/object) are all defined in terms of space and time. However, space and time do not exist as independent universal entities, as they are integral components of one and the same inextricable physical entity, spacetime. Assuming spacetime forms a continuum, it is expected that anything affecting one will affect the other. This has been widely recognized for gravity, but not for speed--something which becomes clearer if we assume that it should in fact be acceleration/deceleration that moves a material particle from one frame of reference into another. Several conditions that are grouped under gravity-dependent and non-gravity-dependent act individually or in combination to submit a matter particle to acceleration. Therefore, when perceived from the Earth (or any other place at v < 299 792 458 m/s), any departure from c caused by deceleration should expand space and contract time. Any further deceleration or subsequent acceleration (for as long as v< c) will alter spacetime. Hence, in astrophysics, deceleration rather than acceleration should be the main driving or direct physical quantity. It is proposed that any deceleration/acceleration distorts spacetime. A method to combine the effects of several conditions that define the acceleration status of a material particle in spacetime is proposed. The higher v/c and/or gravity-dependent acceleration, the greater time dilation and space contraction will be. At the singularity, time dilation and space contraction will be maxima. The actual "position" of a material particle in spacetime may therefore be defined by the sum of all changes it suffered in deceleration/acceleration (due to changes in gravity-dependent and non-gravity-dependent accelerations) since the singularity. The impossibility of exceeding the speed of light in vacuum is discussed and tentatively demonstrated. In line with the present hypothesis, both time and space are relative, but only partially due to the limits imposed by c, opening the possibility for the concept of spacetime partial relativity. According to our proposal, spacetime is defined by a special form of deceleration, which we have termed relativistic or Lorentz deceleration: it is a decelerationdependent elastic property of any matter particle moving at v < c. It expands/contracts precisely because of the effect of deceleration/acceleration on matter particles moving at v < c. According to these views, defining a singularity should depend on the perspective. When perceived from the Earth or any other place at v < c, a singularity is a spaceless point of infinite density, associated with the speed of light and where a second lasts forever. However, when "perceived" from within a singularity, space is there and time flows. Based on this work, a singularity may be defined in higher detail as the embryonic state of the universe (or a part of it), associated with two universal absolute constants: the speed of photons (c = 299 792 458 m/s) and the quantity of spacetime. It also corresponds to a standard spacetime condition, in which time is dilated and space contracted to maximum values. The Big Bang is interpreted not as an explosion or bang, but rather as an infinitesimal deceleration from the singularity, thus triggering the initial exponential space expansion and time contraction and leading to matter formation. Neither space nor time are created or destroyed--They are always there since the singularity but vary widely in contraction/expansion magnitude with each precise spacetime condition, as deceleration-dependent fluctuations take place in spacetime. Gravity, an inherent property of matter, and entropy are key players in the subsequent evolution of the universe. Uncountable successive and cumulative changes in deceleration suffered by material particles determine the precise conditions they occupy at each moment in spacetime, thus allowing the build-up of a gigantic and highly dynamic noninertial frame of reference, i.e., our universe. Individual observers at single points of the universe should all see light photons moving in vacuum at 299 792 458 m/s (or any material particle/object moving at v < 299 792 458 m/s) and perceive space and time identically, each within their own spacetime condition. Differences arise only when one observer "looks" at other observers in distinct spacetime conditions. An attempt is made to interpret spacetime and light when we "look" at frames of reference distinct from our own, since this is precisely what we "see" when we observe the universe from the Earth. Cosmological models are typically based on several assumptions. The hypothesis formulated in the present article is no different, with a singularity as its major reference. We conceptualize on a cosmological model that challenges some currently accepted views of the universe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This essay considers that free-space appears to be composed of an energy field with characteristics of an elastic medium evenly dispersed across the Cosmos in an optimal high state of entropy. This spatial energy field or SEF has properties that may explain inertia and gravity. Linear and angular momentum appear to emerge from these properties. SEF is stretched and compressed in the presence of mass. In addition, compression of space by high inertial events slows the flow of time, similar to gravitational time dilation. This is presented as a new concept and called inertial time dilation. Also, it is proposed that the speed of light c is an intrinsic self-imposed limit due to characteristics of space (SEF) as exemplified by the physical constants eo and lo representing electric permittivity and magnetic permeability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A central idea in general relativity is that physics should not depend on the spacetime coordinates in use [A. Einstein, The Meaning of Relativity (Princeton University Press, 1945)]. But the qualitative description of various phenomena can appear superficially quite different. Here, we consider falling into a classical black hole using four distinct but equivalent metrics. First is the Schwarzschild case, with extreme time dilation at the horizon. Second, rescaling the dilation allows falling into the hole in finite proper time. Third, time and space are rescaled into a Penrose motivated picture where light trajectories all have unit slope. Fourth, a white hole variation of the second metric allows passage out through the horizon, with reentry forbidden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Physics Essays is the property of Physics Essays Publication and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

A review of the predictions of Einstein's Special Theory of Relativity (STR) shows that two of them, remote non-simultaneity and time dilation, are incompatible with each other. It is claimed thereby that two numbers, time differences for the same event that are measured by observers in different states of motion, always occur with a fixed ratio, but that one of them can be zero (simultaneous observation) without the other being so as well. It is impossible that both of these conditions can each be met in any given case, and this constitutes proof that the Lorentz transformation (LT), from which both effects are derived in STR, is not a physically valid set of space-time equations. It is further pointed out that a clock moving through space in the complete absence of unbalanced external forces, in accordance with Newton's Law of Inertia and the Law of Causality, must be expected to have a constant rate. As a consequence, elapsed times Δt and Δt' measured by two such (inertial) clocks for the same event should always occur in a fixed ratio, as expressed by the following relation: Δt'=Δt/Q, where Q is a constant fully determined by the above ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Physics Essays is the property of Physics Essays Publication and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In special relativity, a pair of clocks synchronized in their own reference frame are not synchronized in another. How do two clocks, initially synchronized and at rest in the laboratory frame, fall out of sync as their speed relative to the lab gradually increases? The answer lies in general-relativistic time dilation. The path to the answer sheds light on the thread-between-spaceships paradox (also called the Bell spaceship paradox), on the twin paradox, and on the character of length contraction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we explore the effect of gravity on the flow of proper time near static spherically symmetric black hole possessing an electric charge. We use the Reissner–Nordström metric. In the first case, the traveling twin travels away from the black hole and in the second it travels toward it. We then compare it with the case of relativistic kinematics where the static twin ages faster than the traveling twin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we endeavour to show that from the noncommutative nature of spacetime one can deduce the concept of relativity, in the sense that velocity cannot be infinite as in the case of Galilean relativity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On the basis of the Woodhouse causal axiomatics, we show that conformal proper times and an extra variable in addition to those of space and time, together give a physical justification for the ‘ chronometric hypothesis’ of general relativity. Indeed, we show that, with a lack of these latter two ingredients and of this hypothesis, clock paradoxes exist for which the unparadoxical asymmetry cannot be recovered when using the ‘ clock and message functions’ only. These proper times originate from a given conformal structure of the spacetime when ascribing different compatible projective structures to each Woodhouse particle, and then, each defines a specific Weylian ‘ sheaf structure’. In addition, the proper time parameterizations are defined via path-dependent conformal scale factors, which act like sockets for any kind of physical interaction and also represent the values of the variable associated with the extra dimension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

"Real Time Relativity" is a computer program that lets users move at relativistic speeds through a simulated world populated with planets, clocks, and buildings. The counterintuitive and spectacular optical effects of relativity are prominent, while systematic exploration of the simulation allows the user to discover relativistic effects such as length contraction and the relativity of simultaneity. We report on the physics and technology underpinning the simulation, and our experience using it for teaching special relativity to first year students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the foundation of space-time theory in the framework of first-order logic (FOL). Since the foundation of mathematics has been successfully carried through (via set theory) in FOL, it is not entirely impossible to do the same for space-time theory (or relativity). First we recall a simple and streamlined FOL-axiomatization Specrel of special relativity from the literature. Specrel is complete with respect to questions about inertial motion. Then we ask ourselves whether we can prove the usual relativistic properties of accelerated motion (e.g., clocks in acceleration) in Specrel. As it turns out, this is practically equivalent to asking whether Specrel is strong enough to “handle” (or treat) accelerated observers. We show that there is a mathematical principle called induction ( IND) coming from real analysis which needs to be added to Specrel in order to handle situations involving relativistic acceleration. We present an extended version AccRel of Specrel which is strong enough to handle accelerated motion, in particular, accelerated observers. Among others, we show that~the Twin Paradox becomes provable in AccRel, but it is not provable without IND. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Fundamental U-Theory of Time (Part 1) is an original theory that aims to unravel the mystery of what exactly is ‘time’. To date very few explanations, from the branches of physics or cosmology, have succeeded to provide an accurate and comprehensive depiction of time. Most explanations have only managed to provide partial understanding or at best, glimpses of its true nature. The U-Theory uses ‘Thought Experiments’ to uncover the determining characteristics of time. In part 1 of this theory, the focus is not on the mathematics as it is on the accuracy of the depiction of time. Moreover, it challenges current views on theoretical physics, particularly on the idea of ‘time travel’. Notably, it is a theory seeking to present a fresh approach for reviewing Einstein’s Theory of Relativity, while unlocking new pathways for upcoming research in the field of physics and cosmology.

We provide three examples of the use of geometric reasoning with three-dimensional spacetime diagrams, rather than algebraic manipulations using three-dimensional Lorentz transformations, to analyze problems in special relativity. The examples are the "rising manhole" paradox, the "moving spotlight" problem, and Einstein's light-clock derivation of time dilation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Physics Essays is the property of Physics Essays Publication and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The conserved currents related to conformal Killing vectors are analyzed. By considering the dilation generator of Minkowski space-time, with the assumption that fields are static, arrived at is what is often known as the relativistic virial theorem. The application of this result to force-free electromagnetic fields is discussed, and the result is shown how it can rule out particlelike solutions to certain field theories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]