Object projected vertically upwards and Planck time

In summary, at zero speed, an object's velocity decreases due to gravity, and it comes to a halt at the very top.
  • #1
skepticwulf
74
1
When we throw an object vertically , its speed decreases due to gravity and comes to a halt at the very top, V=0 and starts falling down.
What can we say about that "halt" moment? Is it defined in terms of seconds? Does it last as long as Planck time? being the smallest measurement of time that has any meaning?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
You are misunderstanding what the Planck time is. That's a very common misunderstanding, so common that we even have an Insights article on the subject: https://www.physicsforums.com/insights/hand-wavy-discussion-planck-length/

You could say that the object is stationary for zero seconds (and zero years, and zero milliseconds) if you wish - zero is zero no matter what units you use.
 
Last edited:
  • #3
Does that mean Velocity was 0 for 0 seconds? In other words, Velocity was never 0?
Does that mean velocity came to 0 by every instant it approached to the top but NEVER became 0 and turned down immediately BEFORE being zero?
 
  • #4
It means that there is a time ##t_0## such that ##v(t_0)=0##, but that for any non-zero value of ##\epsilon##, no matter how small, ##v(t_0\pm\epsilon)## is not zero.

Note that there is nothing special about the zero speed here. If the object was initially thrown upwards at five meters/sec, there is a moment when the object is moving at exactly three meters/sec. What can we say about that moment? How long does it last? We can ask these questions about any speed.
 
  • Like
Likes skepticwulf
  • #5
I think it's "classical" thinking that makes me think erroneously. One tends to think the ball comes into a complete halt at V=0, hangs there for intimately small -but for true- duration and THEN starts falling down.
When you consider "there is nothing special about the zero speed", then it's clear.
You can look at its picture when V=3m/s or 0m/s. The "moment" is virtually the same.
Thank you.
 

1. What is an object projected vertically upwards?

An object projected vertically upwards refers to an object that is thrown or launched into the air with an initial velocity in a direction perpendicular to the ground.

2. How does gravity affect an object projected vertically upwards?

Gravity affects an object projected vertically upwards by constantly pulling it downwards towards the ground. This causes the object to slow down and eventually come back down to the ground.

3. What is the maximum height an object can reach when projected vertically upwards?

The maximum height an object can reach when projected vertically upwards is determined by its initial velocity, the acceleration due to gravity, and air resistance. The formula to calculate the maximum height is h = v02 / 2g, where v0 is the initial velocity and g is the acceleration due to gravity.

4. What is the Planck time?

The Planck time is the unit of time in the system of natural units known as Planck units. It represents the time it takes for light to travel a distance of one Planck length in a vacuum, which is approximately 5.39 x 10^-44 seconds.

5. How does the Planck time relate to an object projected vertically upwards?

The Planck time does not have a direct relationship with an object projected vertically upwards. However, it is a fundamental unit of time that is used in theories of quantum gravity, which could potentially explain the behavior of objects at very small scales, such as during the initial launch of an object projected upwards.

Similar threads

Replies
19
Views
4K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • Other Physics Topics
Replies
9
Views
1K
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
2
Replies
38
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • Special and General Relativity
2
Replies
35
Views
677
Replies
18
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
1K
Replies
7
Views
816
Back
Top