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

  • Context: Graduate 
  • Thread starter Thread starter honestrosewater
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the definition of speed, specifically whether it should be defined as distance over time (d/t) or time over distance (t/d). Participants argue that defining speed as t/d leads to inconsistencies, particularly when considering scenarios where speed is zero, making t/d undefined. The consensus is that speed is inherently tied to the d/t relationship, and any attempt to redefine it as t/d lacks practical significance and complicates established physics equations, such as those for acceleration.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts, particularly speed and acceleration.
  • Familiarity with mathematical relationships involving distance and time.
  • Knowledge of classical mechanics and its fundamental equations.
  • Awareness of the implications of redefining physical terms in scientific discourse.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of redefining speed in classical mechanics.
  • Explore the mathematical foundations of speed and acceleration in physics.
  • Study the relationship between time dilation and speed in the context of relativity.
  • Investigate the historical evolution of the definitions of speed and related physical concepts.
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, educators in science, and anyone interested in the foundational principles of motion and the implications of redefining established scientific terms.

  • #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.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #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.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
1K
  • · Replies 27 ·
Replies
27
Views
2K
  • · Replies 46 ·
2
Replies
46
Views
4K
  • · Replies 38 ·
2
Replies
38
Views
5K
Replies
60
Views
5K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
5K
  • · Replies 51 ·
2
Replies
51
Views
4K
  • · Replies 146 ·
5
Replies
146
Views
10K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K