Division of a physical quantity

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of division in the context of physical quantities, exploring how this mathematical operation applies to various physical relationships, such as angular displacement and voltage. Participants examine the implications of dividing quantities and how these relationships can be interpreted in physical terms.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asserts that division represents how many parts of a whole exist, using the example of distributing apples among people.
  • Another participant questions the interpretation of speed as a ratio of distance to time, suggesting it may seem strange to express it in terms of miles per hour or kilometers per hour.
  • A participant argues that the division of physical quantities, such as arc length by radius, can be interpreted as the number of radii in a given arc length, raising questions about the validity of this interpretation.
  • Another participant suggests that the terms "ratios" or "relationships" may be more appropriate than "divisions" when discussing angular displacement and voltage, emphasizing the dependence of these quantities on their respective variables.
  • One participant expresses confusion regarding the relationship between division and the physical quantities being discussed, indicating a need for clarification.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the interpretation of division in the context of physical quantities, with no consensus reached on the validity of specific interpretations or terminology.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully resolved the implications of their definitions and interpretations, and there are varying assumptions about the nature of physical quantities and their relationships.

akashpandey
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TL;DR
Division of normal numbers makes sense but what does division of two physical quantity mean.
As we all know that division simply means how many parts of the whole we have (or splitting into equal parts)
1)Example:- if we have 12 apples and there are 3 people so each will get 4 apples right. Easy!
Now my question is how does this definition makes sense in term of physical quantities ?
2)Example:- theta= arc length/radius
So according to first example i say that theta mean number of radiuses in given arc length ?
similarly what can we say about voltage=work/charge ?
 
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Do you find it strange that we talk about speed as miles per hour (or km per hour)?
 
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akashpandey said:
As we all know that division simply means how many parts of the whole we have (or splitting into equal parts)
1)Example:- if we have 12 apples and there are 3 people so each will get 4 apples right. Easy!
Now my question is how does this definition makes sense in term of physical quantities ?
I just want to point out that apples and persons are perfectly valid physical quantities. So 12 apples / 3 persons is 4 apples/person. That quantity with units of apples/person is a physical quantity representing the number of apples each person has. So you seem to already have an understanding of division of quantities with units.
 
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anorlunda said:
Do you find it strange that we talk about speed as miles per hour (or km per hour)?
No,but Is my second example valid if i say it according to definition of division that is
Theta means how many part of radiuses are there in the arc length ?
 
akashpandey said:
No,but Is my second example valid if i say it according to definition of division that is
Theta means how many part of radiuses are there in the arc length ?
Sorry, I don't understand what you are trying to ask.

If A=B/C then C=B/A. So what?
 
akashpandey said:
...
Now my question is how does this definition makes sense in term of physical quantities ?
2)Example:- theta= arc length/radius
So according to first example i say that theta mean number of radiuses in given arc length ?
similarly what can we say about voltage=work/charge ?
I like calling these cases ratios or relationships rather than divisions.
As the value of arc length increases and/or radius decreases, the value of theta is greater, and vice-versa.
As the value of work increases and/or charge decreases, the value of voltage is greater, and vice-versa.
 

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