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

AI Thread Summary
Object B is not solely moving along the x-axis; it also moves along the y-axis, indicating two-dimensional motion. The reasoning that the world line for object E is incorrect is valid, as it has a slope of zero, which implies impossible speeds. The discussion clarifies that the y-axis represents time, and thus, the world line B reflects movement over time, not just spatial displacement. Both objects A and B are moving back and forth along the x-axis, but their motion differs in terms of speed and direction changes. The distinction lies in A's constant speed versus B's gradual acceleration and deceleration.
questions
Messages
6
Reaction score
0
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.
 

Attachments

Physics news on Phys.org
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.
 
Kindly see the attached pdf. My attempt to solve it, is in it. I'm wondering if my solution is right. My idea is this: At any point of time, the ball may be assumed to be at an incline which is at an angle of θ(kindly see both the pics in the pdf file). The value of θ will continuously change and so will the value of friction. I'm not able to figure out, why my solution is wrong, if it is wrong .
TL;DR Summary: I came across this question from a Sri Lankan A-level textbook. Question - An ice cube with a length of 10 cm is immersed in water at 0 °C. An observer observes the ice cube from the water, and it seems to be 7.75 cm long. If the refractive index of water is 4/3, find the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. I could not understand how the apparent height of the ice cube in the water depends on the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. Does anyone have an...
Back
Top