Time Space Diagram: Is Object B Moving Along x-Axis?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the interpretation of a time-space diagram, specifically focusing on the movement of an object labeled B along the x-axis and its implications in a two-dimensional context involving time. Participants are examining the characteristics of world lines and their slopes in relation to the speed of light.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are questioning whether object B is moving solely along the x-axis or if its movement includes the y-axis (time). There is a discussion about the implications of the slope of world lines and what it indicates about the speed of the objects. One participant compares the movement of object B to that of another object, A, to explore differences in their trajectories.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active with participants providing differing interpretations of the world lines. Some guidance has been offered regarding the representation of time in the diagram and the implications of the slopes of the world lines. There is an ongoing exploration of the nature of movement in the context of the diagram.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working with a diagram that is not visible in the text, which may limit the clarity of their discussions. There is an emphasis on understanding the relationship between the axes and the implications of movement in spacetime.

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i attached the diagram.

a) the object whose world line is labeled B is moving along the x-axis T or F?

I said false because yes while it is moving along the x-axis it's also moving along the y-axis. So it's moving in two dimensions not just one. is my answer and reasoning correct?
The world line for object E (a completely horizontal world line) cannot possibly be correct right? The reason behind this is because it has a slope of zero and it must have a slope of one or greater. Having a slope of 1 or less than one means that the object is traveling at the speed of light or faster than the speed of light which is not possible.
 

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questions said:
i attached the diagram.

a) the object whose world line is labeled B is moving along the x-axis T or F?

I said false because yes while it is moving along the x-axis it's also moving along the y-axis. So it's moving in two dimensions not just one. is my answer and reasoning correct?
No, your answer is incorrect. For one thing, the "y-axis" represents time. The spacetime diagram is just a picture representing where the object is as a function of time. World line B shows an object moving left and then right along the x-axis.
The world line for object E (a completely horizontal world line) cannot possibly be correct right? The reason behind this is because it has a slope of zero and it must have a slope of one or greater. Having a slope of 1 or less than one means that the object is traveling at the speed of light or faster than the speed of light which is not possible.
Right! (Assuming you are measuring both axes with comparable units--ct instead of just time.)
 
for the first portion.

if the object is moving left then right along the right-axis then what is the difference of an object that is moving in a curved manner like B and an object that would move in a staright manner like A
 

Attachments

While the worldline of B might be curved, both A and B are moving in a straight line. They both only move back and forth along the x-axis. The difference is that A moves with constant speed to the left then instantly reverses direction and moves with constant speed to the right while B slows down and reverses direction more gently.
 

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