But is there no relationship existing between the space and time
of one body in the universe as compared to the space and time of
another? Can we not find something which holds good for all bodies
in the universe? We can. We can express it mathematically. It is the
concept of time and space interlinked; of time as the fourth dimension,
length, breadth and thickness being the other three; of time as
one of four co-ordinates and at right angles to the other three
(a situation which requires a terrific stretch of the imagination
to visualize). The four dimensions are sufficient to co-ordinate
the time-space relationships of all bodies in the cosmos, and hence
have a universality which is totally lacking when time and space
are used independently of one another. The four components of our
time-space are up-and-down, right-and-left, backwards-and-forwards,
and sooner-and-later.
"Strain" and "Distortion" in Space. The four-dimensional unit has been
given the name "world-line," for the "world-line" of any particle in
space is in reality a complete history of that particle as it moves
about in space. Particles, we know, attract one another. If each
particle is represented by a world-line these world-lines will be
deflected from their course owing to such attraction.
Imagine a bladder representing the universe, with lines on it
representing world-lines. Now squeeze the bladder. The world-lines are
bent in various directions; they are "distorted." This illustrates the
influence of gravity on these world-lines; it is the "strain" brought
about due to the force of attraction. The distorted bladder illustrates
even more, for it is a true representation of the real world.
How Einstein's Conception of Time and Space Led to a New View of
Gravitation. In our conventional language we speak of the sun as
exerting a "force" on the earth. We have seen, however, that this
force brings about a "distortion" or "strain" in world-lines; or,
what amounts to the same thing, a "distortion" or "strain" of time
and space. The sun's "force," the "force" of any body in space, is the
"force" due to gravity; and these "forces" may now be treated in terms
of the laws of time and space. "The earth," Prof. Eddington tells us,
"moves in a curved orbit, not because the sun exerts any direct pull,
but because the earth is trying to find the shortest way through a
space and time which have been tangled up by an influence radiating
from the sun." [11]
At this point Newton's conceptions fail, for his views and his laws
do not include "strains" in space. Newton's law of gravitation must
be supplanted by one which does include such distortions. It is
Einstein's great glory to have supplied us with this new law.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account