Space

:This article is about space — the scientific and philosophical concepts. For other uses of space, see space (disambiguation).

Physics and space

Space is one of the few fundamental quantities in physics meaning it can't be defined via other quantities because there is nothing more fundamental known at present. Thus, similar to the definition of other fundamental quantities (like time and mass), space is defined via measurement. Currently, the standard space interval, called a standard meter or simply meter, is defined as the distance traveled by light in a vacuum during a time interval of 1/299 792 458 of a second (exact).

Related Topics:
Fundamental - Time - Mass - Measurement - Meter

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In classical physics, space is a three-dimensional Euclidean space where any position can be described using three coordinates. Relativistic physics examines spacetime rather than space; spacetime is modeled as a four-dimensional manifold, and currently, there are theories that can support even eleven-dimensional spaces.

Related Topics:
Classical physics - Euclidean space - Coordinate - Relativistic physics - Spacetime - Manifold

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Before Einstein's work on relativistic physics, time and space were seen as independent dimensions. Einstein's work unified the two into spacetime. In spacetime, measurements of space and time are held to be relative to velocity.

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Measurement

The measurement of physical space has long been important. Geometry, the name given to the branch of mathematics which measures spatial relations, was popularised by the ancient Greeks, although earlier societies had developed measuring systems. The International System of Units, (SI), is now the most common system of units used in the measuring of space, and is almost universally used within science.

Related Topics:
Geometry - Mathematics - Ancient Greeks - International System of Units - Science

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Geography is the branch of science concerned with identifying and describing the Earth, utilising spatial awareness to try and understand why things exist in specific locations. Cartography is the mapping of spaces to allow better navigation, for visualisation purposes and to act as a locational device. Astronomy is the science involved with the observation, explanation and measuring of objects in outer space.

Related Topics:
Geography - Earth - Cartography - Astronomy - Outer space

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