Would it make sense to view position and time as discrete quantities having a li

Question

Would it make sense to view position and time as discrete quantities having a little width to them? Then, a moving object could pause for an instant of time at one "point" before moving on. Zeno's fourth paradox of motion treats this situation when he considers three objects on parallel tracks, one moving right, one moving left, and one fixed. The relative velocities of these moving objects present a challenge. What is it?

Please note: My respect score is at 0% because this is my first homework help question.

Explanation / Answer

What you must keep in mind is that you cannot step back and move to a more formal reference frame. Every reference frame is relative to another frame, there is no absolute reference frame (it is actually a very philosophical argument in relativity). As far as we know it isn't fair to treat space and time as absolutes in a given reference frame because each reference frame is different with different quantities. It is fair to talk about proper time and proper length (you might want to look these up) w.r.t. the frame you are considering. But to consider proper length in two different frames is just an absurd question. Zeno's paradox is just like asking the wrong question. It is asking for relative velocities but relative to what? You must make this distinction! because relative to the non-moving frame it is just +v and with respect to the left moving frame (if at similar speed) +2v. So it is just absurd to even ask these questions. This is the challenge, you are asked to find relative velocities but relative to each different frame it is different making them two different questions. Given all that there is a relation within both space-time in the invariant form of each reference frame are equal. But this is a bit more advanced if you have not covered this I would recommend my original answer. Good luck, Merry Christmas, I hope I was of valuable help.

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse W
• Subjects

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.