Homework Help Overview
The discussion revolves around the conceptual question of whether time can be classified as a vector, as posed in Halliday and Resnick's Physics text. Participants explore the definitions and characteristics of vectors in the context of physics and mathematics.
Discussion Character
- Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking
Approaches and Questions Raised
- Participants examine the criteria that define a vector, questioning whether time possesses direction and magnitude. Some suggest that time can be plotted on an axis, while others argue that it lacks the necessary spatial direction and unit vectors to qualify as a vector.
Discussion Status
The discussion is ongoing, with participants expressing differing views on the nature of vectors and the applicability of vector definitions to time. Some have offered intuitive and technical explanations, while others seek further clarification on specific properties that time does not exhibit as a vector.
Contextual Notes
Participants note that the definitions of vectors may differ between mathematical and physical contexts, leading to confusion regarding the classification of time. There is also mention of the implications of classical mechanics on the relationship between time and space.
How can the charge coming out of the second wire differ from the one entering in as the cosine of the angle that the first wire makes with it...this is funny (and I know many books I've seen have this example too) 
But charge conservation happens to be the critical reason. If you insert it after the phrase "add up at the meeting point" then you have the correct explanation mate.