Mathematical 4D space means 4 independent variables. Space-time got 3 variables for length because of 3 different directions and 1 time variable.
I got to quit the old Bohr atom-model. The Schrödinger wave-equations, the Lagrangian Mechanics and String Theory are the winners. They are based on vibrations that fit well with 4D space-time.
A ruler got marks for measuring a length. Ruler are made of atomic orbitals that are no longer believed to be orbits but vibration pattern. An orbital has a nodal point meandering in a nodal zone of an atom. The covalent bonds in our ruler are vibrations that go from nodal zone to nodal zone. Consequently, a unit measurement on our ruler corresponds to the sum of wavelengths from nodal zone to nodal zone. Any single vibration generates its own time. It should make sense that a vibrating quartz is a time reference in a clock. Now we can confirm Relativity Theory because time periods and wavelength of vibrations do change with velocity.
I conclude that our macroscopic world is a hierarchy of vibrations. Sure, mass must be vibration energy given by: E = m*c^2.
Some agnostics seem to have the feeling that I tried to bragger with Lagrangian Mechanics and String theory. It was not intended. I know little about the mathematical formalism involved. If I would not have mentioned that the formalism of the professionals may agree with my vibration model, nobody would have payed attention. My vibration model is just the conclusion of me, a commoner or lay-person who tries to understand 4D space-time.
My conclusion of a vibration hierarchy may have similarities with the string theory. It turned out that my vibration hierarchy is original and not a reinvention of the wheel. The reaction of the people isn't all bad. I guess, Columbus got by far more disrespect when he concluded that the earth must be round.
Hierarchic organization exists across the board; macro and micro. No evidence I know of to suggest otherwise.
I think I'm going to add "No one interested in 4D space time please" to my profile
This post is just too far above the heads of most of us "commoners" (I guess you mean lay persons).
What on earth, or who on earth, are commoners?
I believe they are the people without royal blood.
@indirect76 Thanks. I guess in America that's most of us.
I'll learn this when I start college. I'm going for
the Bachelor's in Science degree.
Separation (vector) in 4D Spacetime:
S^2 = x^2 + y^2 + z^2 - (ct)^2
Also E= mc^2 only if the mass is stationary with respect to you. Otherwise you need to introduce gamma - the Lorentz transform.
Finally, mass and time are manifestations (consequences) of energy.
Beyond me I am afraid, I got lost once space time became variable.
@Rugglesby Well, we didn't evolve for any of this to be intuitive. Remember, there is a >0 chance you can walk through a wall, and a >0 chance you already did. (Just joking, weak force will prevent that. I'm still afraid of falling through the floor, though.)
Full disclosure - I studied physics for a year and a half at uni.
Unless the OP has a least a doctorate in physics I would regard the question as a maldigested grab-bag of buzz-words. If a thing is worth saying it can generally be said clearly. That said, he may be genius, whose words have gone straight over my head. I doubt it, but I am ready to retract everything I've said if I turn out to be wrong.
To approach an understanding of 4D space-time, I would suggest the following:
Consider a particle of light (a photon) - all observers 'see' it travelling at exactly the same speed (the speed of light, natch) however they are moving in relation to it. If I'm running away from it at a million miles a second it will still hit me at exactly the same speed as someone who is running towards it at a million miles a second. When you have digested that amazing fact, and if it interests you, go to the library or Youtube - you have taken the first step to wanting to understand spacetime.
String Theory,Membrane Theory,Seem Too Be The Two Main Theories Around.16&32 Dimensions.
It is good to point out that the number of Dimensions in string theories are rather unessential because it depends on what we want to represent. My background is the profession of electrical engineering and not physics. It means that I am expected to have a detailed knowledge about the electromagnetic waves and the photon but not string theory. The background knowledge of people determines how they reason about 4D space-time or string theory.
If I have 3 level of a vibration hierarchy – lets say: electromagnetic, strong force and vacuum ground state and reduce each level to 3 vector components of a vibration. The informations of the vibration hierarchy would be contained in 3^3 = 27 partial derivatives. It would be a mathematical space of 27 dimensions. The electromagnetic level determines our perception of space and time.
Who or what is a commoner?
It's a term socially-awkward mathematicians use when trying to connect to other people.
Ok??????