Is A Straight Line Always The Shortest Distance Between Two Points?

No, a straight line isn't always the shortest distance between two points. The shortest distance depends on the geometry of the object or surface in question. While a straight line is the shortest distance between two points on a flat surface, on a spherical surface such as the Earth, the true shortest distance is represented by an arc known as the great circle distance.
From a mathematical perspective, a great circle (also called the geodesic of a sphere) is any circle drawn on a sphere with a center that coincides with the center of the sphere, dividing the sphere into two equal halves. Simply put, a great circle is the largest circle that can be carved out of a sphere. Be sure to watch the video to see a visual representation of what a great circle looks like.
#greatcircle #geodesic #geometry
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[@radjedi2010]

A long time ago I read that space time itself is curved, so the shortest distance between any two points is actually a curve. Am I remembering this right?

[@RummyAndKoch]

If space time is curved, the shortest distance is to burrow through it using a… worm hole

[@RummyAndKoch]

Meh, it’s still shorter to go in a straight line, you just need to dig a tunnel.

[@RummyAndKoch]

From the pilot of a plane’s perspective, he flew in a straight line, no?

[@Nematodo]

No.