After reading some of the threads, I realize that my understanding of physics is slim to none. However, I am a law student (currently studying patents), and I have become very curious about the subject of time and space. My question is this: 1) Is time stationary, e.g., a time line, and matter is just moving along the line in a linear direction? 2) Or, the same concept, except that time is circular and matter is just drifting around in time's orbit. 3) In contradistinction, matter is stationary, and time is moving past all matter, giving the appearance that matter is moving along time, i.e., the effect of seeing a moving train, when on a stationary train, making it appear as though one is moving backwards. 4) I also read that time is expanding, but could time be expanding while also contracting, similar to the motion of air in the vortex of a tornado? I appreciate any insight that may help to satisfy my curiosity. Thank you.