What is the convention for writing vector magnitudes in free body diagrams?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the conventions for representing vector magnitudes in free body diagrams, particularly in the context of homework assignments.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the meaning of "writing the magnitude" of a vector and discuss whether it is necessary to include numerical values or if variables are acceptable. There are questions about conventions and practices in representing known and unknown quantities.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants providing insights on the use of symbols versus numerical values in free body diagrams. Some guidance has been offered regarding the flexibility of representing magnitudes, but no consensus has been reached.

Contextual Notes

Participants are considering the implications of homework rules and the clarity of communication in diagrams, as well as the potential for varying interpretations of the question posed by the original poster.

alingy1
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Do you normally write the magnitude of the vectors in free body diagrams? I have homework on this. Is there any convention when writing the magnitude?
 
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It's not clear what you mean by 'write the magnitude' of a vector. Can you give some examples?
 
I'm not sure what you are asking. Sure you write the magnitude (in Newtons or whatever) if you know it. Otherwise, write it as a variable and try to solve for it later.
 
Magnitude as in the "length" or norm of the vector i.e. 5N, or 4m/s.
So, there's no convention that forces you to write the magnitude if you know it at the beginning of a problem?
 
One is usually better off using symbols for known and unknown quantities alike, and using algebra to express unknowns via knowns. The numbers can be plugged in at the very end.
 

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