Visualizing Four Dimensions in Special and General Relativity

Magdalena Kersting ()
Additional contact information
Magdalena Kersting: University of Oslo, Department of Physics

Chapter 78 in Handbook of the Mathematics of the Arts and Sciences, 2021, pp 2003-2038 from Springer

Abstract: Abstract Modern physics unfolds on the stage of four-dimensional spacetime. Grappling with century-old ideas of space and time, Albert Einstein revolutionized our understanding of the cosmos by merging space and time into a four-dimensional entity that takes an active role in shaping the laws of physics. While experiments have repeatedly confirmed Einstein’s theories, the abstract character of this physical knowledge contradicts the common sense of many. Based on the physics of relativity and the mathematics of differential geometry, scientists have developed visualizations and representations of spacetime to make Einstein’s ideas more intelligible. This chapter explores the links between the mathematics of space and time and our historic struggle to visualize these concepts. Technology serves as the lens to unpack the fruitful interplay between mathematics, physics, and arts that has shaped our understanding of spacetime. Linking mathematical concepts with physical intuition and artistic vision, imaginative thinkers developed representations that led from simple spacetime diagrams and analogies to powerful numerical simulations and virtual environments that allow exploring the extreme physics of black holes and gravitational waves. Visualizations of spacetime continue to be an active field of research that is driven by interdisciplinary efforts to understand the cosmos.

Keywords: Spacetime; Special relativity; General relativity; Numerical relativity; Technology; Visualization; Imagination; Interdisciplinary (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: Add references at CitEc
Citations:

There are no downloads for this item, see the EconPapers FAQ for hints about obtaining it.

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:spr:sprchp:978-3-319-57072-3_120

Ordering information: This item can be ordered from
http://www.springer.com/9783319570723

DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-57072-3_120

Access Statistics for this chapter

More chapters in Springer Books from Springer
Bibliographic data for series maintained by Sonal Shukla () and Springer Nature Abstracting and Indexing ().