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In one form I can stretch to infinity, in another I have a clearly defined limit.
In one form I am very flexible, in another I am exceedingly rigid.
In one form intersections are catastrophic, in another intersections are common and can be helpful.
In one form I am a physical object, in another I am a conceptual object
In both forms I am used daily by millions of people all round the world.

What Am I?

Don't forget the spoiler tags.

If you get the correct answer, you must then think of a thing whose first letter begins with the end letter of the answer to this problem. So if the answer was apple, you need to think of an object that starts with 'e' and post a riddle about that. We can keep going until people get bored. However it does rely on getting the answer to this right first. If you really can't be bothered to think up a new riddle, say so in your answer. First person who comments something like 'I'll do it' can have the honor.

No hate, this is my first entirely made up word based riddle. Have Fun!

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    $\begingroup$ Not sure how I feel about the requirement to post another riddle if you get it right.. $\endgroup$ Commented Nov 12, 2014 at 7:37
  • $\begingroup$ I will amend with an escape clause then $\endgroup$
    – JamesENL
    Commented Nov 12, 2014 at 7:38
  • $\begingroup$ @TimCouwelier It's so that only the most committed attempt :p $\endgroup$
    – d'alar'cop
    Commented Nov 12, 2014 at 7:38
  • $\begingroup$ puzzling.stackexchange.com/questions/4193/… $\endgroup$
    – d'alar'cop
    Commented Nov 12, 2014 at 9:12

2 Answers 2

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Network. The virtual/social vs road networks.

In one form I can stretch to infinity, in another I have a clearly defined limit.

The virtual/social can cross boundaries reaching the endless depths of connections between people. Roads are physically bounded.

In one form I am very flexible, in another I am exceedingly rigid.

The digital can be instantly modified and twisted (eg. changing physical layout of a network but regaining functionality, or people changing locations not interfering with their friendship). Roads are very difficult to change.

In one form intersections are catastrophic, in another intersections are common and can be helpful.

Car accidents vs. meeting people / transferring data

In one form I am a physical object, in another I am a conceptual object In both forms I am used daily by millions of people all round the world.

self explanatory

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    $\begingroup$ In the spirit of this meta post I'm going to give you the prize. $\endgroup$
    – JamesENL
    Commented Nov 12, 2014 at 8:00
  • $\begingroup$ @JamesMassey that's a slight pity. I guess you will self-answer what you had in mind? $\endgroup$
    – d'alar'cop
    Commented Nov 12, 2014 at 8:02
  • $\begingroup$ @JNF it's up to you to post the next one. If you could post a link to part 2 here when you are done, that'd be great. Your letter is 'K' $\endgroup$
    – JamesENL
    Commented Nov 12, 2014 at 8:04
  • $\begingroup$ @JamesMassey, technically I was less correct than your answer. Also, I was less accurate with reference to the mathematical concepts. But thanks for the encouragement... $\endgroup$
    – JNF
    Commented Nov 12, 2014 at 8:14
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    $\begingroup$ @JamesMassey I don't understand why you accepted this answer. The objects described in it don't fit your restrictions. Neither of them are infinite, intersections are essential for both forms, and catastrophic in neither. $\endgroup$
    – terdon
    Commented Nov 12, 2014 at 13:49
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The answer I had in mind was a plane which is both a physical object (airplane) and a mathematical concept.
- Geometric plane can stretch infinitely along a 2D surface, Aeroplane has a defined shape
- Aeroplane is quite flexible (at least the wings certainly are), Geometric plane, is not flexible at all, because it lays along a 2D surface, as soon as it bends, it is no longer a plane.
- When two aeroplanes intersect...... pretty obvious, Geometric plane intersection, can give us solutions to mathematical problems.
- Aeroplane - Physical, Geometric - Conceptual
- Both are used around the world.

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  • $\begingroup$ I was thinking mathematical concepts (infinity was the tip i suppose). The usage of the word "intersection" threw me off a bit. Anyway, nice puzzle :D $\endgroup$
    – d'alar'cop
    Commented Nov 12, 2014 at 8:05
  • $\begingroup$ I think network deserves an upvote too, the more I think about it, the more it fits. I'll post more if more aren't forthcomming, but its tricky to think them up. $\endgroup$
    – JamesENL
    Commented Nov 12, 2014 at 8:09
  • $\begingroup$ I'd think these guys are not two forms of the same stuff $\endgroup$
    – perreal
    Commented Mar 4, 2016 at 7:51

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