What Is the Difference Between Mathematical and Physical Vector Spaces?

  • Thread starter Thread starter madiha_314
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies the distinction between mathematical vector spaces and physical vector spaces. A mathematical vector space, also known as a linear space, is an abstract set of vectors defined over a field of scalars such as real numbers, complex numbers, or quaternions, adhering to specific axioms. In contrast, a physical vector space refers to the tangible environments, such as straight lines, planes, and three-dimensional spaces, where vectors and vector fields are applied in the context of physics. The primary difference lies in the abstract nature of mathematical vector spaces versus the concrete applications of physical vector spaces.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of linear algebra concepts, specifically vector spaces
  • Familiarity with fields of scalars, including real numbers and complex numbers
  • Basic knowledge of physics and its application of vectors
  • Comprehension of mathematical axioms related to vector spaces
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the axioms of vector spaces in linear algebra
  • Explore the applications of vector fields in physics
  • Learn about different types of fields, including real and complex numbers
  • Investigate the role of vector spaces in various physical theories
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for students and professionals in mathematics and physics, particularly those studying linear algebra and its applications in physical contexts.

madiha_314
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
pleasezz helpppp me as soon as possible

:cry: hi,
I want to ask you "What is the difference between mathematical vector space and physical vector space?"
I mean to say"how can we distinguish vector space in physics and maths"?
thanxz :rolleyes:
 
Physics news on Phys.org
huh? Do you have any idea what you just said?
No different. NO, NONE, ZIP, period
unless i misunderstood what you asked... your question is same as asking me what is the difference between the addition in physics and that in mathematics...
one more thing... vector space in mathematics is not nessissory related to our physical world... but physics will not do things that has nothing to do with our physical world... that might be the only different...
 
madiha_314 said:
:cry: hi,
I want to ask you "What is the difference between mathematical vector space and physical vector space?"
I mean to say"how can we distinguish vector space in physics and maths"?
thanxz :rolleyes:


A "mathematical vector space"(aka linear space) is an abstract set A (of elements called vectors) over a field of scalars (R,C,quaternions) whose elements satisfy the axioms of vector space...

A "physical vector space" is is the "ambient environment" for vectors and vector fields...A straight line,the plane,the 3D space are "environments" in which vectors 'defined physically' exist...

Daniel.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
2K
Replies
26
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 44 ·
2
Replies
44
Views
5K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
Replies
13
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
14
Views
2K