# Spacetime and Special theory of relativity

I have few questions to ask for the members of Brilliant :

1. what does "space time" and "curvature of space time" refer to ?
2. what does the "special theory of relativity" and "general theory of relativity" state ?

Note by Sriram Venkatesan
5 years, 12 months ago

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Space time refers to the dimensions of the universe.

- 5 years, 12 months ago

Not really. It really means the very fabric of existence, not just space but also time.

- 5 years, 12 months ago

Thanks Finn Hulse for a great explanation. ...hope you will help me clearing my doubts

- 5 years, 11 months ago

You're welcome! :D

- 5 years, 11 months ago

1. Space-time is the fabric that everything is made of, including empty space/void. It has been observed that large bodies of gravity can even have an effect upon space-time, which you have called "curvature of space-time". The article should help you become familiar with the mechanics.

2. Einstein's theories of relativity talk about relative motion, like two cars driving next to each other, or somebody bouncing a rubber ball in a plane. He "dumb"-ed it down a lot so that almost anybody can read his paper.

Questions? :D

- 5 years, 12 months ago

Thank you for your answer, Finn. I asked these questions so that i could understand Stephen Hawking 's " Black holes and Baby Universes and other essays " clearly . I hope I would still ask more questions on astrophysics and the universe within this month

- 5 years, 12 months ago

Anytime! :D

- 5 years, 12 months ago

Finn, I will surely say that you would become the youngest scientist of USA !!!

- 5 years, 12 months ago

:D I wish. :D

- 5 years, 11 months ago

Finn, I have 2 questions to ask on your article : 1. What do you mean when you say that " pulling is what time is " in 17th line ? 2. What do you say about " Length Contraction " which is very difficult to understand ?

- 5 years, 11 months ago

I'm saying that in the model I'm using, where spacetime is a latex-like fabric, that where a warping is the space, the pulling of the fabric is like a representation of time. As for length contraction, you're right, it's more complicated. A quick Google search should help you out, though. :D

- 5 years, 11 months ago