Vertical lines on postion vs. time graphs.

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the interpretation of vertical lines in position vs. time graphs, specifically regarding velocity and acceleration. A vertical line indicates an undefined slope, suggesting that a particle could theoretically jump from one position to another instantaneously, which contradicts the principles of special relativity that state no object can exceed the speed of light (c). Additionally, the confusion regarding acceleration when an object slows down in the negative x direction is clarified; while it may seem that positive acceleration is involved, the relationship defined by deltaV/deltaT indicates that the acceleration is indeed negative.

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  • Understanding of position vs. time graphs
  • Basic knowledge of velocity and acceleration concepts
  • Familiarity with special relativity principles
  • Mathematical interpretation of slopes in graphs
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  • Study the implications of undefined slopes in physics
  • Explore the principles of special relativity in detail
  • Learn about the relationship between velocity, acceleration, and direction
  • Investigate real-world examples of instantaneous position changes in particle physics
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Physics students, educators, and anyone interested in the dynamics of motion and the implications of graph interpretations in kinematics.

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I understand how position vs. time diagrams can give velocity. If the line is flat then the velocity is zero (the particle is still), and all the other basic things I need to know, but what if the line was vertical? The slope would be undefined; therefore, velocity would be undefined. In other words, could a particle jump from one position to another in no time? Perhaps the speed changes too sharply for the units on the graph?
 
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That can't be possible in special relativity which says the speed cannot exceed speed of light c, irrelevant to the unit of graph
 
no graph as such exist (until you see it 100 years later in some inter nuclear motion of those subatomic particles:TO BE DISCOVERED)
 
Thanks guys. One more thing I'm kind of confused about. If an object is slowing down in the negative x direction, then I would assume the acceleration would be positive, correct? I assume this because an object slowing down in the positive direction would have a negative acceleration.
 
Then again, If deltaV/deltaT = a, then the answer would be just the opposite.
 
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