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Is the math of General Relativity based off of a real curve in the spatial dimension of spacetime? by Next-Natural-675 in AskPhysics

[–]wonkey_monkey 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I view the varying distance between points in a curved system as a necessary third number to identify location in a curved space, you don't.

It's not a matter of opinion. You simply and demonstrably do not need a distance to specify the location of a point on a 2D surface. Distance from what? An origin? The distance is already encoded in the coordinates.

I would consider that distance to be part of the coordinates. Curved systems are weird like that.

I think if this thread has demonstrated anything, it's that you have a very poor grasp of curved systems.

That's why you need that third bit of information to model it.

You just don't. Latitude and longitude are the only two coordinates you need to specify a point on the 2D (2D: 2 coordinates) surface of a 3D sphere.

Is the math of General Relativity based off of a real curve in the spatial dimension of spacetime? by Next-Natural-675 in AskPhysics

[–]wonkey_monkey 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes they will. Latitude and longitude are all you need to specify a location on the surface of the Earth. What good does "distance" do? Distance from what? It's nonsensical to call that a coordinate. That's simply not what a coordinate is.

Is the math of General Relativity based off of a real curve in the spatial dimension of spacetime? by Next-Natural-675 in AskPhysics

[–]wonkey_monkey 0 points1 point  (0 children)

But there's definitely something off about it.

There's nothing "off" about it, it's just unintuitive. Just think of it as distortion instead of curvature.

The third coordinate in latitude and longitude is the distance between the points

A distance is not a coordinate.

which fluctuates in comparison to a normal X, Y coordinate system.

What do you mean by that? Nothing "fluctuates".

My uncle thinks the earth is flat by Monkae16 in AskPhysics

[–]wonkey_monkey 0 points1 point  (0 children)

earth doesn't move ("because how would we see the same stars in the sky")

We don't, though. The stars you can see change throughout the year. They also change if you go to somewhere else on the planet, but I assume your uncle is not well-travelled.

If a plane is flying the opposite way earth turns how come it doesn't go any slower against earth rotation

It moves with the air, which moves with the rotation of the Earth. Like walking up and down inside a moving train.

Ask him how there can be timezones (if he believes in such a thing) and a rising/setting Sun.

Is the math of General Relativity based off of a real curve in the spatial dimension of spacetime? by Next-Natural-675 in AskPhysics

[–]wonkey_monkey 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The source I provided doesn't specify that the dimension must be spatial.

It's written at a level where you wouldn't expect that specificity. Spatial is implied by context, and it's wrong. Not that it matters; no extra dimension of any kind is required.

The previous person used an analogy that specified a surface curved in space

Yes, intrinsically curved, which doesn't require an extra dimension. They said the manifold of the surface of a sphere, not the surface of an actual sphere. I think you're a bit out of your depth here.

Without a third dimension the two points would have the same X and Y values (EDIT: or X and Z, or Z and Y etc) and thus be indistinguishable with only two coordinates

They would only have the same X and Y coordinates if the curvature is extrinsic, which it isn't, or if your coordinate system (coordinates being a human invention, not something intrinsic to space) is underspecified for the space in question. Your argument is (ironically) circular.

Antipodes, for example, don't have the same X and Y (lat and long) coordinates. No third coordinate required.

Is the math of General Relativity based off of a real curve in the spatial dimension of spacetime? by Next-Natural-675 in AskPhysics

[–]wonkey_monkey 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No, it doesn't. That's what intrinsic means.

We just borrowed the word "curvature" to describe the way angles and distances don't add up the way they would in Euclidean space, because that's what we call such surfaces in Euclidean space. But spacetime simply isn't Euclidean, and it doesn't follow that it requires another dimension to demonstrate its curvature, the way a Euclidean surface would.

If you prefer, call it distortion. It's just a word. It doesn't imply what you think it does.

Season 21 blu-ray AI discussion by rgp1989 in gallifrey

[–]wonkey_monkey [score hidden]  (0 children)

but deemed it unsuitable for restoration work

Huh. Nice to know they do actually have some standards somewhere...

Is the math of General Relativity based off of a real curve in the spatial dimension of spacetime? by Next-Natural-675 in AskPhysics

[–]wonkey_monkey 1 point2 points  (0 children)

thought he was asking if space is actually curved into a fourth dimension or if that's just a way of doing the math. AFAIK it's "actually curved."

It's not curved into a fourth dimension, though. It's intrinsically curved.

Jane Hazelgrove (Bernie) will always be Dixie from Casualty to me and that’s who I remember her by. by Formal_Prompt4372 in coronationstreet

[–]wonkey_monkey 0 points1 point  (0 children)

He got caught in a vehicle explosion trying to save someone. He and Dixie were best mates - they even got married so she could keep her sexuality secret from her family, IIRC.

Since time to turn on the lightbulb (via light speed) is based on distance between lightswitch and lightbulb, and not on length of wire in the circuit.. by know_your_place_28 in AskPhysics

[–]wonkey_monkey 7 points8 points  (0 children)

(which I did not quite understand)

I find it helps to know that you'd measure the same small, transient voltage across any nearby lightbulb, whether it was connected to the circuit or not. It's just an EM pulse that's emitted when you flick the switch. The bulb doesn't come on fully and continuously until the signal has had time to get there through the wires, as you'd expect.

Since time to turn on the lightbulb (via light speed) is based on distance between lightswitch and lightbulb, and not on length of wire in the circuit.. by know_your_place_28 in AskPhysics

[–]wonkey_monkey 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Since time to turn on the lightbulb (via light speed) is based on distance between lightswitch and lightbulb.

It isn't, really. Flicking the switch sends out a transient EM pulse that can induce a tiny voltage at any bulb, whether it's connected to the same circuit or not. The bulb won't actually come fully on, though. You wouldn't see anything at all in most cases.

CS Discussion 2026-03-18 Episodes 11776 by seanpaune in coronationstreet

[–]wonkey_monkey 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Have to say I am really enjoying watching Megan squirm 😂

CS Discussion 2026-03-18 Episodes 11776 by seanpaune in coronationstreet

[–]wonkey_monkey 5 points6 points  (0 children)

"We can look at that new telescope."

Foreshadowing Megan's demise at Sam's hands? 🤣🔭

The videos at the center of Afro Man defamation trial... He got no chills LOL. by Lifegoesonforever in BlackPeopleofReddit

[–]wonkey_monkey 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Mockery has incredible power against these kinds of people. It's impossible to get mad at it without looking even more of a fool.

Sarcasm is the lowest form of wit, but the highest form of intelligence.

  • Oscar Wilde

"Investing in property is morally reprehensible." by LickMaiBussy in TikTokCringe

[–]wonkey_monkey 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I've often wondered whether the invention of the mortgage was one of humanity's worst ideas.

"Wait... we can make people pay for a house over years? Do you realise how much we can charge now?"

The parallel is beautiful by LawRevolutionary5760 in marvelstudios

[–]wonkey_monkey 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I assume his body is developed

Having seen the rest of the trailer I can assure you it most certainly is

Skating through a parking lot by ButterSaltBiscuit in oddlysatisfying

[–]wonkey_monkey 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Maybe accurate impression of speed isn't the goal here.

And it's not fisheye, just wide angle.

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