2007-01-15 02:41:33 · 11 answers · asked by cherie b 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
im not so sure about a staight line, but i no there cant be a flat surface, so since nothin is natural flat, i guess nothin can be natural staight
2007-01-15 02:45:23 · answer #1 · answered by mestealthy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In nature, there exists a plane in which most star systems are aligned on, this plane is an ellipse. Here we see an example of a perfectly flat object, relative to the space in between starsystems. What does this tell us of lines, however? Well, a line is just that, a straight segment of any curve. It can be stated that all curves are made of an infinite number of lines, or line segments, all straight, but this doesnt really help us in our understanding. If you want a perfectly straight line, think of the electric force. It is mediated by a straight line governed only by the distance between the two charged particles. Does this show straight lines in nature? Well, not exactly, but it shows that it is possible to view nature as such.
And just to let the previous answerer know, photons are not effected by magnetic fields. The lines from laser pointers do diverge, but it has nothing to do with the earth's magnetic field. Photons are the mediating particle between electromagnetic interactions, but they do not participate in it themselves.
2007-01-15 04:29:47 · answer #2 · answered by Roger N 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are correct, these conceptions are man made.
Straight line, point and plain are a few of the examples used in mathematics that don't exist in the real world.
For instance, the beam from your flashlight or laser pointer are not "straight" - due to the earth's gravitational field, they curve toward the earth's surface in an arc equal to a circle with a diameter of one light year! - and two plumb bobs suspended on strings a short distance apart are also not parallel - they are further apart at the top, if the strings were extended, they both would meet at the center of the earth.
These deviations are obviously not a concern when you're building bridges and other structures and you want them "straight" - but it's a concern if you're planning an extended trip into space and you're going to be passing by any objects that will deviate your path from your conceptional "straight" line. The further the trip, the greater the error becomes.
Added note: Roger N - there is no mention of a magnetic field in my answer.
2007-01-15 03:38:07 · answer #3 · answered by LeAnne 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
How about a plumb line? Or perhaps the path of a rain drop falling in a still atmosphere? Newton's law states that any object set in motion continues in motion unless acted upon by some outside force. If there is no external force the motion would be a straight line, otherwise it would be accelerated due to a change in direction, and acceleration is due to a force.
2007-01-15 02:50:29 · answer #4 · answered by 1ofSelby's 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
i think in euclid geometry
there is no such thing as a strait line
however
there is such a thing as a strait line segment
so a line can be inagined
but non exists that we know of or have discovered
2007-01-15 02:45:47 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It depends on your preception. I would say yes there are straight lines in nature. It's a matter of seeing them. Spiderwebs are made of straight lines. But it also depends on our level of detail. Same goes for a strand of hair or the shape of a sodium chloride ion. Anyway if you disregard length, you would definetly see straight lines.
2007-01-15 02:53:50 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
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2016-10-20 05:45:22 · answer #7 · answered by kigar 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, when something is moving in a circle and leaves the circle, it leaves at a tangent and moves in a perfectly straight line. This is all I can remember on the subject from precalc.
2007-01-15 02:46:24 · answer #8 · answered by Kate 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
All lines are straight. Even circles are made up of segments of straight lines.
2007-01-15 02:45:30 · answer #9 · answered by crossbones668 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The "line" you see when you're on the ocean looking WAY out at the horizon is straight, I think.
2007-01-15 02:45:52 · answer #10 · answered by gabound75 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋