Uniform Motion & Speed: Acquisition & Possibility

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concepts of uniform motion and uniform speed, exploring whether they are synonymous and the plausibility of achieving perfect uniform motion. It includes definitions, distinctions between terms, and implications from classical physics and general relativity.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question whether uniform motion and uniform speed are identical concepts.
  • One participant suggests that uniform motion refers specifically to uniform speed in a straight line, potentially implying a connection to uniform velocity.
  • Another participant notes that Albert Einstein uses the term 'uniform motion' in a way that may equate it with uniform speed, but also suggests it could mean uniform velocity.
  • A later reply indicates that while perfect uniform motion is theoretically possible in classical physics, practical achievement is limited, and general relativity allows for the laws of physics to function without a uniform reference frame.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the definitions and implications of uniform motion and uniform speed, with no clear consensus reached on their equivalence or the feasibility of perfect uniform motion.

Contextual Notes

Definitions of terms such as "uniform motion" and "uniform speed" are not universally agreed upon, and the discussion reflects varying interpretations influenced by classical and relativistic physics.

Bashyboy
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Hello,

I was wondering if uniform motion and uniform speed were one in the same things? Also (if they are both identical) is acquisition of perfect uniform motion plausible?
 
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Define moviment
 
sorry... define motion
 
If I were to guess at the meaning of it, I would say it is the displacement of an object from a particular frame of reference.
 
Are you trying to distinguish uniform velocity from uniform speed?
 
No, I think he's asking what uniform speed and uniform motion mean.
And in answer, I'd say yes they are the same thing.
The only place I've heard the term 'uniform motion' mentioned is by Albert Einstein, in which he uses it to mean the same thing as uniform speed (if I read it correctly).
 
Oh, wait. Actually, I think uniform motion means uniform speed in a straight line.
So, yes I guess uniform motion means uniform velocity.
 
BruceW said:
No, I think he's asking what uniform speed and uniform motion mean.
And in answer, I'd say yes they are the same thing.
The only place I've heard the term 'uniform motion' mentioned is by Albert Einstein, in which he uses it to mean the same thing as uniform speed (if I read it correctly).
I'd say that when Einstein speaks of uniform motion, he means uniform velocity, not just uniform speed.
 
Yes, sorry I realized I got that wrong :(
 
  • #10
and about "is acquisition of perfect uniform motion plausible":
In classical physics, this is what happens when there are no forces on an object, so in principle it is possible, but practically, you'd only be able to do it approximately.
But, due to general relativity, a uniform reference frame is not required for the laws of physics to work, so you don't need to worry about whether perfect uniform motion can be practically achieved.
 
  • #11
Well, thank you very much everyone, I appreciate your insight.
 

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