Creative solution to a physics problem

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the interpretation of a physics problem related to motion and rest, specifically questioning whether an object continues to move after it has come to rest. The conversation touches on the clarity of the problem's wording and the implications of a frictionless scenario.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express confusion over the phrasing of the question, suggesting it could have been worded better.
  • Others argue that the question is designed to test understanding of the material, implying that the answer should be obvious given the context of "frictionless."
  • A participant notes that if an object has come to rest, by definition, it cannot be moving after that point, introducing the idea that the time spent at rest is effectively zero.
  • Another participant raises the question of whether the system ever comes to a complete rest, suggesting that the way the question is framed implies a singular solution.
  • There are humorous remarks about the absurdity of the question and its implications, indicating a mix of frustration and amusement among participants.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the clarity and intent of the question, with no consensus reached on whether the wording is adequate or if the question is fundamentally flawed.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the ambiguity in the phrasing of physics problems and the assumptions that participants bring to their interpretations, particularly regarding the concept of rest and motion.

deerhake.11
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This was posted on digg and I don't remember seeing it on here, so i thought I'd share:

http://www.robmonroe.net/upload/2007/1/24/elephantintheway.jpg

:smile:
 
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"Does the object continue to move after it comes to a rest?"...:smile:
 
theCandyman said:
"Does the object continue to move after it comes to a rest?"


...:smile:

Indeed the question is almost as dumb as the answer.
 
Why?


texttttt
 
I love it.
 
cyrusabdollahi said:
Why?


texttttt

It could have been worded better do you not think?
 
I'm surprised they'd give five points for the second part of that question. It's obvious by inspection. You read the word "frictionless", and the question answers itself.
 
Kurdt said:
It could have been worded better do you not think?

Whats wrong with the wording?
 
cyrusabdollahi said:
Whats wrong with the wording?

Think like a normal person (i.e., one who does not recognize that it only comes to rest for an instant of time). Something that has come to rest has ceased moving. By definition, it will not be moving after it has come to rest.

Interesting aside: the quickest way to reconcile the two perspectives is to point out there is no "after" associated with the rest in question. The time spent at rest is zero.
 
  • #10
The question is written the way it is to see who knows the material. If the question said, comes to a rest instantaneously, I think it would be obvious to everyone that its going to move again.
 
  • #11
cyrusabdollahi said:
Whats wrong with the wording?

Would you expect five marks for answering no? Evidentally the person who completed the question thought this could be remedied :smile:
 
  • #12
If you put no, you would get a zero. Elephants or not.
 
  • #13
Consider this, does this system ever come to a complete rest?

No, it does not. So there can ONLY be one solution implied in the question the way it is written.
 
  • #14
LOL.

Qns : What would happen if you connected several light bulbs in a series?

Ans : Nothing, you didn't connect it to a battery.
 
  • #15
twisting_edge said:
Think like a normal person (i.e., one who does not recognize that it only comes to rest for an instant of time). Something that has come to rest has ceased moving. By definition, it will not be moving after it has come to rest.

Interesting aside: the quickest way to reconcile the two perspectives is to point out there is no "after" associated with the rest in question. The time spent at rest is zero.

Even old folks in a bank know that:

Now, what's it going to be young feller? You want I should freeze or get down on the ground? 'Cause if'n I freeze, I can't rightly drop. And if'n I drop, I'm going to be in motion.
 

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