Explain the physics joke Don't be a d^3x/dt^3

  • Context: High School 
  • Thread starter Thread starter yddet12
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Explain Physics
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The physics joke "Don't be a d^3x/dt^3" plays on the terminology of calculus, specifically the derivatives of position. The first derivative, d/dt(x), represents velocity, the second derivative, d^2/dt^2(x), represents acceleration, and the third derivative, d^3/dt^3(x), is known as jerk. The punchline implies that one should not be a "jerk," cleverly linking the mathematical term to a social behavior. This joke effectively combines humor with a fundamental concept in physics and calculus.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of calculus, specifically derivatives
  • Familiarity with basic physics concepts such as position, velocity, and acceleration
  • Knowledge of the terminology used in physics and mathematics
  • Ability to interpret mathematical humor
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the concept of jerk in physics and its applications
  • Explore higher-order derivatives and their significance in motion analysis
  • Learn about the implications of derivatives in real-world physics problems
  • Investigate other mathematical jokes and their underlying concepts
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, and anyone interested in the intersection of mathematics and humor. It is particularly useful for those studying calculus and its applications in physics.

yddet12
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
I saw this physics joke somewhere and didn't understand it. Could someone explain it to me?

Don't be a d^3x/dt^3 Thanks!
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
The first derivative of x (the distance), with respect to time is called the velocity.
The second derivative is called the acceleration.
The third derivative is called the jerk.

So they're telling you: don't be a jerk...
 
yddet12 said:
I saw this physics joke somewhere and didn't understand it. Could someone explain it to me?

Don't be a d^3x/dt^3


Thanks!

Well,

x denotes position, the first time derivative of position is velocity, the second time derivative of position is acceleration. As for the third time derivative, well, why don't you google "third time derivative of position" and see what pops up ...
 

Similar threads

Undergrad Physics and Philosophy are intertwined....
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Graduate Could the Laws of Physics Be Proportional to Entropy?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
666
Undergrad Phasor Addition Explained - Wave Physics
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
6K
Will a D in AP Physics C First Semester Impact My College Acceptances?
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K
Undergrad What is convection in a serpentine flow field?
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
Undergrad Can Physics Explain the Phenomenon of Love?
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
3K
Undergrad Derivative of (v)^2 with respect to position
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
7K
Publishing books on arXiv, a new trend?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
Undergrad What does jounce help us to do in physics?
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
4K
Undergrad Feynman's derivation of average square distance variation in Brownian motion
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
797