Physical Interpretation for two answers for time

In summary, the motion equation x=x_0 +v_0t +\frac{1}{2}at^2 results in two answers for t, one being negative due to the quadratic. The physical interpretation of this is that the two values of t represent the time in the future when an object will hit the ground and the time in the past when it would have left the ground if thrown from there. If the object is thrown from the ground, the negative answer represents the time before it reaches the initial height.
  • #1
mateomy
307
0
When you solve the motion equation

[tex]
x=x_0 +v_0t +\frac{1}{2}at^2
[/tex]

you get two answers for t. One being a negative due to the quadratic. What is the physical interpretation of this? Its driving me nuts.
 
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  • #2
hi mateomy! :smile:
mateomy said:
you get two answers for t. One being a negative due to the quadratic. What is the physical interpretation of this? Its driving me nuts.

that's the standard constant acceleration equation for a particle going vertically up at speed v0 and height x0 at time t …

the two values of t for x = 0 are the time in the future when it will hit the ground, and the time in the past when it would have left the ground if it had been thrown from there (or below) :wink:
 
  • #3
Go'bless you, Toiny Tim (Harsh cockney accent). What if, say...it left from the ground?
 
  • #4
wotcher, me ol' mateomy! :wink:
mateomy said:
Go'bless you, Toiny Tim (Harsh cockney accent). What if, say...it left from the ground?

from the foot of the apples an' pears?

then the negative answer would be the time before it reaches height x0

'nuff said? o:)
 
  • #5
Got it down solid now. Thanks for the clarification.
 

1. What is physical interpretation for two answers for time?

Physical interpretation for two answers for time is a concept in physics that deals with the idea that for certain phenomena, there can be two distinct answers for the time at which an event occurred. This can arise in situations where there are two observers with different frames of reference observing the same event.

2. How does physical interpretation for two answers for time affect our understanding of time?

Physical interpretation for two answers for time challenges our traditional understanding of time as a linear and constant concept. It shows that time can be relative and can vary depending on the observer's frame of reference.

3. Can you give an example of physical interpretation for two answers for time?

One example of physical interpretation for two answers for time is the twin paradox in special relativity. In this scenario, one twin travels at high speeds near the speed of light while the other twin stays on Earth. When the traveling twin returns, they may have aged less than their twin on Earth, demonstrating the relativity of time.

4. How is physical interpretation for two answers for time connected to the theory of relativity?

The idea of physical interpretation for two answers for time is closely related to the theory of relativity. This theory explains how time and space are not absolute, but rather are relative to the observer's frame of reference. Physical interpretation for two answers for time demonstrates the effects of this relativity on our perception of time.

5. What implications does physical interpretation for two answers for time have on scientific research and experiments?

Physical interpretation for two answers for time has significant implications for scientific research and experiments, particularly in fields such as astronomy and particle physics. It highlights the need for careful consideration of different frames of reference and the relativity of time when interpreting data and results.

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