Physical Meaning of Time Inverse

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the physical meaning of the inverse of time, particularly in relation to periodic functions and cycles. Participants explore concepts such as frequency, period, and the implications of time being zero in the context of motion.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that the inverse of time relates to the period of a periodic function, suggesting that a cycle represents a quantum of motion.
  • Others argue that the period of a periodic function has the dimension of time, while the frequency is the reciprocal of time, indicating a distinction between these concepts.
  • A participant questions the interpretation of phasors in periodic motion, suggesting that having the same radius for each cycle indicates constant amplitude rather than supporting the claim about the inverse of time.
  • There is a contention regarding the conclusion drawn when time is zero, with some labeling it as irrational.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach consensus on the relationship between the inverse of time and the period of a periodic function, with multiple competing views presented throughout the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Participants express differing interpretations of the dimensions and units associated with period and frequency, highlighting potential misunderstandings or ambiguities in definitions.

Antonio Lao
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The inverse of time is the period of a periodic function. A cycle is a completion of one period hence a cycle is a quantum of motion. But how do we compare one cycle to a different cycle without having to use the geometry of a circle with different radii? If the radii are equal then the cycles are the same. If the radii are not equal? The smaller radius can be used to quantify the larger cycle of the two cycles.

So when time is zero, we are dealing here with a cycle that takes infinite time to complete.

The concept of frequency in the physics of waves motion is also time inverse more specifically multiple inverse of time.
 
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Antonio Lao said:
The inverse of time is the period of a periodic function.
I think not. The period T of a periodic function has the dimension of time. The unit is the second.
The frequency of a periodic function has the dimension of reciprocal time. The unit is the hertz, Hz.

If you represent the periodic motion as a phasor that rotates once per cycle then a periodic function will have the same radius for each cycle.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phasor

Antonio Lao said:
So when time is zero, we are dealing here with a cycle that takes infinite time to complete.
That appears to be an irrational conclusion.

 
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Baluncore said:
If you represent the periodic motion as a phasor that rotates once per cycle then a periodic function will have the same radius for each cycle.
Doesn't just just indicate that amplitude is the same? Of course "the inverse of time is the period of a periodic function" is correct. Hz simplified is just some wave-motion per second.
 
lolsurround said:
Of course "the inverse of time is the period of a periodic function" is correct.

No it's not, as already been pointed out. We measure period in seconds, and inverse of time is 1/sec.
 

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