- #1
AMF8
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What is Jerk? I have a rough idea of what it is, but I would like to know more.
What Does 'Jerk' Mean in Physics?
- Context: High School
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Discussion Overview
The discussion centers around the concept of "jerk" in physics, specifically its definition, implications, and applications. Participants explore its mathematical representation as the rate of change of acceleration and consider its relevance in various contexts, including engineering and motion dynamics.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Technical explanation
- Conceptual clarification
- Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- Some participants define jerk as the rate of change of acceleration.
- Others describe jerk as the third derivative of the position vector, following velocity and acceleration.
- A participant questions the purpose of knowing jerk, suggesting it may not always be useful despite its mathematical definition.
- One participant mentions that jerk is relevant in rollercoaster design, where non-constant acceleration contributes to the ride experience.
- Another participant provides examples where jerk is observed, such as during a space shuttle launch and when accelerating a car from a stop.
- There is a humorous exchange regarding the term "jerk" and its implications in a social context.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants generally agree on the definition of jerk as related to acceleration, but there is no consensus on its practical utility or relevance in all scenarios. Multiple viewpoints regarding its applications and significance remain present.
Contextual Notes
Some discussions touch on the limitations of understanding jerk in practical applications, with references to specific examples in physics and engineering, but these are not fully resolved.
Who May Find This Useful
Readers interested in the mathematical and conceptual aspects of motion, engineering applications, and those curious about the nuances of physical terminology may find this discussion relevant.
- #2
Danger
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Maybe try running a quick search. I know that this was addressed recently somewhere in PF, and I believe the response came from Astronuc.
- #3
arildno
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It is the rate of change of acceleration.
- #4
Danger
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Given the nature of our GD interactions, I'm surprised that my name didn't enter into your response.arildno said:
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arildno
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I knew you knew it, but you know so much that it takes a while even for you to rummage through all your knowledge. You're only superhuman.Danger said:Given the nature of our GD interactions, I'm surprised that my name didn't enter into your response.
- #6
Danger
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I didn't mean that; I meant because I'm a jerk. (And I didn't know the answer. I just knew that I saw it mentioned somewhere.
)
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cronxeh
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Jerk is the 3rd derivative of the position vector
1st derivatieve is velocity, 2nd is acceleration, 3rd is jerk, etc
1st derivatieve is velocity, 2nd is acceleration, 3rd is jerk, etc
- #8
AMF8
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I know all of that...what is its purpose?
- #9
jcsd
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There's very many posts on 'jerk' in the arhive, it's a recurring subject (you can sya I posted about jerk in this very forum just yesterday!).
Many important examples of objects in motion with a non-conatnt accelartion clearly exist in physics, for example simple harmonic motion, but simply becasue the accelartion is not necessarily mean that it is useful to know the jerk of the object.
There usual exmaple of an area (in engineering) where knowing the jerk is useful is rollercoaster design. It is generally agreed that non-constant accelartion in the car as it goes around the track is what gives the ride it's sense of danger, so it is useful to measure the jerk.
Many important examples of objects in motion with a non-conatnt accelartion clearly exist in physics, for example simple harmonic motion, but simply becasue the accelartion is not necessarily mean that it is useful to know the jerk of the object.
There usual exmaple of an area (in engineering) where knowing the jerk is useful is rollercoaster design. It is generally agreed that non-constant accelartion in the car as it goes around the track is what gives the ride it's sense of danger, so it is useful to measure the jerk.
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Mk
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- #11
arildno
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To be mean?AMF8 said:
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Mk
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If you're... in a bumper car, and you're going at whatever constant acceleration, towards your stationary sleeping friend, and you smash into him, you're going to be changing your rate of acceleration.AMF8 said:
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bomba923
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- #14
russ_watters
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Here's a simple example: when the space shuttle is launched, the mass decreases as fuel is used, causing the acceleration to increase.
edit: another simple example: starting off from a stop in your car, you push on the gas pedal and begin to accelerate.
edit: another simple example: starting off from a stop in your car, you push on the gas pedal and begin to accelerate.
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