I understand time a little better

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of time in relation to space, particularly exploring the idea of time as a form of displacement that may be inverse to space. Participants also engage in a broader conversation about foundational physics concepts and learning strategies in the context of understanding complex topics like quantum and relativistic physics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests viewing time as a displacement that is inverse to space, prompting questions about the mathematical basis for this idea.
  • Several participants inquire about the sources or papers that support the initial claim regarding time and space.
  • There is a discussion about the appropriateness of the number of threads being created by one participant, with some expressing concern over the depth of understanding of basic physics concepts.
  • Another participant lists foundational physics topics that should be revised before delving into more advanced subjects, emphasizing a structured approach to learning.
  • One participant expresses frustration with the suggestion to follow a specific order of study, arguing for a more flexible approach that allows for exploration of topics of interest.
  • There is a contention regarding the effectiveness of learning physics without adhering to a logical order, with some participants advocating for traditional methods while others support a more personalized learning path.
  • Participants discuss the potential pitfalls of a non-linear approach to learning, with one suggesting that it may lead to a fragmented understanding of the subject.
  • Humor is introduced in the form of a musical analogy comparing learning physics to practicing scales versus playing concertos, indicating differing views on the learning process.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best approach to learning physics. There are competing views on whether a structured order of study is necessary or if a more exploratory method is valid. Additionally, there is disagreement on the effectiveness of the initial participant's understanding of physics concepts.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the foundational knowledge required for advanced topics, indicating a potential gap in understanding that may affect the discussion. The conversation also reflects varying levels of familiarity with physics concepts among participants.

  • #31
jbriggs444 said:
Perhaps some review of basic algebra would be appropriate. That last equation does not follow from the previous.

Edit: Going out on a very weak limb here. If one were to have accepted the above equations at face value then the next obvious move would have been to apply the transitive property of equality and derive: $$\frac{d}{t} = \frac{t}{d}$$Then from that equality, one might reason that $$d=t$$ (at least up to choice of sign). Is that chain of reasoning what has prompted you to equate time with distance? All predicated on an algebra error?

Ignoring vectors and scalars just for now...

t^2/d^2=1/3v^2

3v^4=1

where 1 is some kind of constant? I'm way too old and tired and noobish to know if my maths is even correct.
 
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  • #32
paulo84 said:
t^2/d^2=1/3v^2
How did you arrive to this? BTW @jbriggs444 made it clear that your reasoning was incorrect, and this might be the source of your errors.
 
  • #33
paulo84 said:
t^2/d^2=1/3v^2
Where does this asserted equality come from? Also, it might be worthwhile learning to present your equations with LaTeX.$$\frac{t^2}{d^2}=\frac{1}{3}v^2$$Is that an accurate transcription?

Edit: sorry to repeat what @lekh2003 already asked
 
  • #34
jbriggs444 said:
Where does this asserted equality come from? Also, it might be worthwhile learning to present your equations with LaTeX.$$\frac{t^2}{d^2}=\frac{1}{3}v^2$$Is that an accurate transcription?

Edit: sorry to repeat what @lekh2003 already asked

I'm looking into relearning maths. Where can I find out about LaTeX?
 
  • #35
  • #36
paulo84 said:
I'm looking into relearning maths. Where can I find out about LaTeX?
You can pull down Info => How To => Latex Primer from here on the Physics Forums. That will take you to: https://www.physicsforums.com/help/latexhelp/

[Drat that @lekh2003 -- too fast for me!]
 
  • #37
jbriggs444 said:
You can pull down Info => How To => Latex Primer from here on the Physics Forums. That will take you to: https://www.physicsforums.com/help/latexhelp/

[Drat that @lekh2003 -- too fast for me!]
I was actually looking through the webpage, reading through the latex methods, when @paulo84 asked the question. It was all a coincidence o0)
 
  • #38
sophiecentaur said:
The OP does not appear interested in the correct order; it represents too much work, I think. He may well find a lot of enjoyment in dipping into various parts of Physics but that is no way for him to get any 'understanding' of the subject.
I agree completely. You have to crawl before you can walk, and you have to walk before you can run. Going to the music metaphor someone mentioned, classical and jazz musicians spend a lot of time practicing simple exercises before they get good.

sophiecentaur said:
If Newtonian Physics gives him problems then he needs to go backwards and not forwards in the subject until he finds a level with which he can cope.
Agreed

paulo84 said:
Also also I think it's a little harsh to accuse me of not having 'any' understanding. :(
No, it isn't harsh -- it is realistic, based on your fundamental misconceptions I've seen in several of your threads. For example, that time and distance are the same, and that all matrices have four elements that somehow must tie into the three spatial dimensions and one temporal dimension

paulo84 said:
here's some maths, hope it works as I've been awake a long time.

v=d/t
t=d/v
t/d=v
The first two equations are equivalent, but the third equation does not follow. At any rate, your formula for velocity is correct only if velocity is constant.
paulo84 said:
It would seem there is a relationship between the inverse of displacement and 3 dimensional spacetime?
No. Making such grand assertions without understanding very basic mathematics is a fool's errand.

Since the work above shows that you really don't understand time "better," I'm closing this thread.
 
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  • #39
Mark44 said:
I agree completely. You have to crawl before you can walk, and you have to walk before you can run. Going to the music metaphor someone mentioned, classical and jazz musicians spend a lot of time practicing simple exercises before they get good.

Agreed

No, it isn't harsh -- it is realistic, based on your fundamental misconceptions I've seen in several of your threads. For example, that time and distance are the same, and that all matrices have four elements that somehow must tie into the three spatial dimensions and one temporal dimension

The first two equations are equivalent, but the third equation does not follow. At any rate, your formula for velocity is correct only if velocity is constant.
No. Making such grand assertions without understanding very basic mathematics is a fool's errand.
I hope that @paulo84 is finally able to understand all of these things hearing it from a mentor.
 

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