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

In summary, the object labeled B is moving along the x-axis, but also along the y-axis, indicating that it is moving in two dimensions. The world line for object E, which is completely horizontal, is incorrect as it must have a slope of one or greater. The difference between the objects labeled A and B is that A moves in a straight line at constant speed while B moves in a curved manner, slowing down and reversing direction more gradually.
  • #1
questions
6
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

  • untitled.bmp
    266.8 KB · Views: 411
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
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.)
 
  • #3
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

  • untitled.bmp
    239.3 KB · Views: 382
  • #4
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.
 

1. What is a Time Space Diagram?

A Time Space Diagram is a graphical representation that shows the relationship between time and space for a moving object. It is commonly used in physics and engineering to visualize the motion of an object over a period of time.

2. How is a Time Space Diagram structured?

A Time Space Diagram typically has time on the horizontal axis and position on the vertical axis. The position can be measured in any unit, such as meters or kilometers. The motion of the object is represented by a line on the diagram, with the slope of the line indicating the speed and direction of the object.

3. What is the purpose of a Time Space Diagram?

The purpose of a Time Space Diagram is to help understand the motion of an object and analyze its speed, acceleration, and displacement over time. It can also be used to predict the future position of the object based on its current motion.

4. How can you tell if an object is moving along the x-axis on a Time Space Diagram?

If an object is moving along the x-axis on a Time Space Diagram, its position line will be parallel to the time axis. This indicates that the object is not changing its position in the y direction and is only moving horizontally.

5. Can an object be moving along both the x-axis and y-axis on a Time Space Diagram?

Yes, an object can move along both the x-axis and y-axis on a Time Space Diagram. In this case, the position line will have a diagonal slope, indicating that the object is changing both its horizontal and vertical position over time.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
26
Views
407
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
14
Views
797
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
15
Views
462
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
14
Views
772
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
18
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • Special and General Relativity
2
Replies
61
Views
4K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
8K
Back
Top