The discussion centers on the proper labeling convention for vector components in physics, specifically whether to use Vxi or Vix. The consensus is that the notation (v_x, v_y) or (v_1, v_2) is preferred, especially in higher dimensions where numerical indices prevent confusion. In a physics context, vectors should be labeled with the vector designation first, followed by the component label, resulting in representations like (v_{ix}, v_{iy}, v_{iz}) for initial components and (v_{fx}, v_{fy}, v_{fz}) for final components.
PREREQUISITESStudents and educators in physics, particularly those involved in teaching or learning about vector components in introductory physics courses and linear algebra.
Whatever ##V## stands for, the convention is either ##(v_x,v_y)## or ##(v_1,v_2)##. The former soon gets messy if higher dimensions come into play, which is why numbers as indices are preferred. If you have several points along the same dimension (axis), then some parameters would be nice: ##v_1(t_1),v_1(t_2),\ldots ## or ##(v_{11},v_{12},\ldots)##.carlyhylton said:I have a very general question...
When labelling initial or final components on the x and y axes do you write, for example...
Vxi OR Vix
Is there a right or wrong answer? What is the convention?
Is this for an introductory physics course, where we deal with vectors for physical quantities in a rectangular 3-dimensional space (x,y,z directions)? Or is it for e.g. a linear algebra course where vectors are more abstract things, in an abstract space with an arbitrary number of dimensions?carlyhylton said:When labelling initial or final components on the x and y axes do you write, for example...
Vxi OR Vix
Is there a right or wrong answer? What is the convention?