time in physics

Physical

2022

We explain what time is approached from Physics and its formulas. Time in classical mechanics and relativistic mechanics.

Time can be thought of as the duration of things that are subject to change.

What is time in physics?

In physics, time is a magnitude that is used to measure the duration or the separation of one or more events. This allows them to be ordered in a sequence (past, present, future) and to determine whether or not they occur simultaneously.

Time is represented by the variable t, its unit of measurement in the International System is the second (s), in a sexagesimal frame (60 units constitute a larger unit) and the device with which it is measured is the clock.

Time can be thought of as the duration of things that are subject to change, and it is one of the most important physical quantities. Within physical considerations, it is considered a variable that, combined with others, allows determining the position, the movement, velocity and many other magnitudes of an object or system.

Formulas for calculating time

The velocity is calculated from the formula V = d.t.

Time is involved in numerous physical calculations and therefore there are many possible formulas to calculate it, depending on the other variables that we have at hand:

  • Speed. The speed is calculated from the formula V = d / t (Speed ​​equals distance over time). It is measured in units of distance per units of time: Km / h, m / s, etc. If we clear the time in this formula, we obtain: t = d / v
  • Acceleration. Acceleration (to) is the change in time between two speeds and is calculated with the formula: a = Δv / Δt, where Δv is vinicial - vfinal Y Δt is initial - tfinal. If we take the initial as zero, then we have to: t = (Vf - Vi) / a

Time in classical mechanics

In classical physics, time is considered an absolute value, that is, a magnitude that passes in the same way for all the phenomena studied. This means that two different observers will always agree on the order of events (simultaneous past, future, and present).

Time in relativistic mechanics

In relativistic mechanics, time is a more complex concept, since it is linked to the position of the observer of the event and its state in motion, that is, in relativistic mechanics, time is relative. Two observers who differ in their position and movement will differ in their measurement the time of an event, so the time will always depend on the observer's reference system.

Duration (Δt) of an event measured in a system at rest. The duration (Δt ’) of that same event, measured from a reference system that moves with constant velocity with respect to the one at rest, is given by Δt ’= Δt / √1-v2 / c2.

This distinction arose after the formulation of the Theory of relativity Albert Einstein and his profound impact on the field of physics. According to her, there is no single time but it can vary under certain physical conditions.

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