How do you explain thein laymen words (i.e. in the unit N.s)?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around how to explain the multiplication sign (.) in the context of physics units, particularly focusing on the unit Newton meter (N.m) and its relation to work or energy. Participants explore ways to communicate these concepts to non-experts in physics.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks to explain the multiplication sign in physics units, comparing it to the division sign and its common usage in rates.
  • Another participant suggests that the multiplication sign in the unit N.m can be explained as representing work or energy, emphasizing the relationship between force, distance, and work done.
  • There is a mention of the complications that arise when discussing work done, such as the direction of force and the concept of energy expended without work being accomplished.
  • A participant introduces the concept of area, explaining how it is derived from multiplying length and width, illustrating the use of multiplication in a different context.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on how to explain the multiplication sign in physics units. While some argue that it is straightforward, others believe it can be contextualized within the framework of work and energy. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach to convey these concepts to non-experts.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the potential for misunderstanding when explaining physics concepts, particularly the nuances involved in defining work and energy. There are also references to the limitations of generalizing mathematical symbols beyond their specific applications.

k273
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Greetings.

I really want to know how to explain the . (i.e. in the unit N.m) to a person not expert to physics?

As for the / (for example in the unit m/s) I can explain to one, that it is the rate or the value of the speed/velocity for every single unit of time, in this case second.

Hope this question can be understood.
Thanks a lot!
 
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Welcome to PF.

The / is the division sign, the . is the multiplication sign. There really isn't anything to explain beyond that. You can't generalize a / as a rate becaue that's not all it is used for. Consider: lb/in^2.
 
russ_watters said:
Welcome to PF.

The / is the division sign, the . is the multiplication sign. There really isn't anything to explain beyond that. You can't generalize a / as a rate becaue that's not all it is used for. Consider: lb/in^2.

Thanks, well, all this time surfing, just the last month I found this forum for things related to physics.

So by that you mean nothing could be said to explain what the multiplication sign in Force.space or its unit (i.e. Newton.meter) is all about? Thanks.
 
k273 said:
So by that you mean nothing could be said to explain what the multiplication sign in Force.space or its unit (i.e. Newton.meter) is all about? Thanks.

Why not explain Nm as the unit for F.d which is work or energy used up?

That should make sense that if you don't use force, you don't use energy, and that the greater the distance you push something the greater the work done. (If they ask more, there's the troublesome details that it must be in the direction of the distance, and also that you can use up a lot of energy pushing things no where and you get no work done - but I'm sure anyone who's a boss will understand that;)
 
atyy said:
Why not explain Nm as the unit for F.d which is work or energy used up?

That should make sense that if you don't use force, you don't use energy, and that the greater the distance you push something the greater the work done. (If they ask more, there's the troublesome details that it must be in the direction of the distance, and also that you can use up a lot of energy pushing things no where and you get no work done - but I'm sure anyone who's a boss will understand that;)

Thanks! That would help me. Any other way to explain, anyone?
 
How about units for area?

The area of a rectangle is length.width ( remember "." is multiplication here)

Length could be measured in meters, width could be measured in meters also. So the units of area become m.m, or m2 (what we call "square meters").
 

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