Dimension facts for kids
Dimensions are a concept from mathematics and physics.
There are different concepts where the term dimension is used and there are also different definitions. There is no definition that can satisfy all concepts.
"Normal" objects in everyday life are specified by three dimenensions, which are usually called length, width and depth. Mathematicians call this concept Euclidean space.
Dimensions can be used to measure position too. The distance to a position from a starting place can be measured in the length, width and height directions. These distances are a measure of the position.
Sometimes a fourth (4D) dimension, time, is used to show the position of an event in time and space.
Other Dimensions
In modern science, people use other dimensions.
Dimensions like temperature and weight can be used to show the position of something in less simple spaces.
Mathematicians also use dimensions. In mathematics, dimensions are more general. Dimensions in mathematics might not measure things in the world. The rules for doing arithmetic with dimensions in mathematics might be different than usual arithmetic rules.
Dimensions and vectors
Vectors are used to show distances and directions. Vectors are often used in engineering, drawing and science, and sometimes in mathematics.
A vector is a list of numbers. There is one number for each dimension. There are arithmetic rules for vectors.
For example, if Jane wants to know the position of Sally, Sally can give Jane a vector to show the position. If Jane and Sally are in the world, there are three dimensions. Therefore, Sally gives Jane a list of three numbers to show her position. The three numbers in the vector Sally gives Jane might be:
- Sally's distance north of Jane
- Sally's distance east of Jane
- Sally's height above Jane
See also
In Spanish: Dimensión para niños
