Revisiting the Definition of Speed: Is Distance/Time Arbitrary?

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The discussion centers on the definition of speed, questioning whether it is arbitrary to define speed as distance over time (d/t) instead of time over distance (t/d). Participants argue that speed inherently means distance divided by time, and defining it as t/d would lead to confusion and inconsistencies, particularly when considering scenarios like zero speed, where t/d becomes undefined. While some suggest that both definitions could be conceptually valid, they acknowledge that adopting t/d would require significant changes to existing formulas and could complicate the understanding of related concepts like acceleration. The conversation also touches on the implications of redefining speed on physical interpretations and the relationship between time and distance, with some participants exploring the philosophical aspects of these definitions. Ultimately, the consensus leans towards maintaining the conventional definition of speed as d/t for clarity and consistency in physics.
  • #61
We need a new word for t/d. I propose "torpidity". Thus, a stationary object would have infinite torpidity; something traveling at an infinite velocity would have zero torpidity.

The weird thing, however, is if special relativity is true, a stationary object would not have infinite torpidity. Just as SR places a speed limit on how fast objects go, SR also places a torpidity limit on how slow objects go. At the speed of light an object travels 3 X 10^8 meters in one second. Thus, a stationary object would have a torpidity of 3 X 10^8 seconds per meter; i.e, a stationary object actually travels 1 meter in 3 X 10^8 seconds.

I think this explains the expansion of the universe.
 
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  • #62
The weird thing, however, is if special relativity is true, a stationary object would not have infinite torpidity. Just as SR places a speed limit on how fast objects go, SR also places a torpidity limit on how slow objects go. At the speed of light an object travels 3 X 10^8 meters in one second. Thus, a stationary object would have a torpidity of 3 X 10^8 seconds per meter; i.e, a stationary object actually travels 1 meter in 3 X 10^8 seconds.

Using t/d, the speed of light would be equivalent to 3.3x10^-9 s/m.
Meaning the minimum amount of time you can cover over one meter is 3.3 nanoseconds, which is equivalent to an upper speed limit.

A stationary object travels an infinite amount of seconds over every meter and in t/d notation this can be reduced to lower limit of 3.3 nanoseconds over every meter.
Which doesn't imply that a stationary object travels one meter every 3 X 10^8 seconds.

Another point is that in relativistic units t/d and d/t disappear.

So 300 million meters per second and 3.3 nanoseconds per meter both become just 1.
 
  • #63
This discussion needs more participation.

We must lower the torpidity of this thread if it is to move forward.
 
  • #64
I believe this thread has run its course.
 

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