What is Spacetime?
Spacetime is a concept that combines space and time into a single interwoven continuum. It is fundamental in understanding the physical universe. Albert Einstein's theories of relativity transformed our understanding of spacetime, showing that it is dynamic and affected by the presence of mass and energy.
The Fabric of the Universe
Imagine spacetime as a fabric that can bend and stretch. Massive objects like stars and planets create dents and curves in this fabric, influencing the paths that light and objects travel. This bending of spacetime is what we perceive as gravity.
The Role of Time
Time is not separate from space. In the realm of spacetime, time and space are relative. This means that the passage of time can change depending on the speed at which you are moving or the strength of a gravitational field. This phenomenon is famously illustrated by the "twin paradox" and the bending of light around massive objects in space.