absolute space

(noun)

A concept introduced by Newton that assumes space remains always similar and immovable.

Related Terms

Examples of absolute space in the following topics:

  • Gallilean-Newtonian Relativity

    • There exists an absolute space in which Newton's laws are true.
    • An inertial frame is a reference frame in relative uniform motion to absolute space.
    • But it is assumed to hold in absolute space, therefore Galilean relativity holds.

  • Sensory Absolute Thresholds

    • Smell is not the only sense with absolute thresholds.
    • Every sense has an absolute threshold.
    • Expectations can also affect the absolute threshold.
    • Light at the end of the tunnel: the absolute threshold for vision
    • In a dark space, an individual's saving grace can be the minimum amount of light needed to stimulate the eye in the dark environment and alert the brain that it is seeing light.

  • Absolute Temperature

    • Absolute temperature is the most commoly used thermodyanmic temperature unit and is the standard unit of temperature.
    • Thermodynamic temperature is the absolute measure of temperature.
    • The kelvin (or "absolute temperature") is the standard thermodyanmic temperature unit.
    • Absolute zero, the lowest possible temperature, is defined precisely as 0 K and −273.15 °C.
    • Here, the size of helium atoms relative to their spacing is shown to scale under 1950 atmospheres of pressure.

  • Simultaneity

    • The relativity of simultaneity is the concept that simultaneity is not absolute, but depends on the observer's reference frame.
    • The relativity of simultaneity is the concept that simultaneity–whether two events occur at the same time–is not absolute, but depends on the observer's frame of reference.
    • According to the theory of special relativity, it is impossible to say in an absolute sense whether two distinct events occur at the same time if those events are separated in space, such as a car crash in London and another in New York.
    • In 1905, Albert Einstein abandoned the (classical) aether and emphasized the significance of relativity of simultaneity to our understanding of space and time.
    • He deduced the failure of absolute simultaneity from two stated assumptions: 1) the principle of relativity–the equivalence of inertial frames, such that the laws of physics apply equally in all inertial coordinate systems; 2) the constancy of the speed of light detected in empty space, independent of the relative motion of its source.

  • Absolute Value

    • Absolute value can be thought of as the distance of a real number from zero.
    • For example, the absolute value of 5 is 5, and the absolute value of −5 is also 5, because both numbers are the same distance from 0.
    • The term "absolute value" has been used in this sense since at least 1806 in French and 1857 in English.
    • Other names for absolute value include "numerical value," "modulus," and "magnitude."
    • The absolute values of 5 and -5 shown on a number line.

  • Matrix and Vector Norms

    • For scalars, the obvious answer is the absolute value.
    • The absolute value of a scalar has the property that it is never negative and it is zero if and only if the scalar itself is zero.
    • A norm is a function from the space of vectors onto the scalars, denoted by $\| \cdot \|$ satisfying the following properties for any two vectors $v$ and $u$ and any scalar $\alpha$ :

  • New State Spaces

    • New state spaces are redefining borders, and they may not be ruled by national governments.
    • This branch of sociology defines new state spaces as geographical spaces that are not governed simply by national governments.
    • Some of these cities are absolutely central to the operation of the global economic system, and some are more peripheral.
    • Another example of a new state space is seen in regional and international governments such as the European Union.
    • New state spaces are evolving at both the local level (global cities) and the international level (the European Union).

  • Transition State Theory

    • In a given chemical reaction, the hypothetical space that occurs between the reactants and the products is known as the transition state.
    • Transition state theory (TST) describes a hypothetical "transition state" that occurs in the space between the reactants and the products in a chemical reaction.
    • TST is also referred to as "activated-complex theory," "absolute-rate theory," and "theory of absolute reaction rates."

  • Defining Absolute Advantage

    • A country has an absolute advantage in the production of a good when it can produce it more efficiently than other countries.
    • Absolute advantage refers to the ability of a country to produce a good more efficiently that other countries.
    • A country with an absolute advantage can sell the good for less than a country that does not have the absolute advantage.
    • Party B has an absolute advantage in producing widgets.
    • China can produce such goods more efficiently, which gives it an absolute advantage relative to many countries.

  • Equations with Absolute Value

    • To solve an equation with an absolute value, first isolate the absolute value, and then solve for the positive and negative cases.
    • The absolute value of $-5$ is $5$, and the absolute value of $5$ is also $5$.  
    • In conclusion, absolute value equations can have one, none, or two solutions.
    • Step 1: Algebraically isolate the absolute value.  
    • The absolute value term is $(2x+1)$, and it can either be 4, or –4.