How do you guys write your vectors?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the various conventions for writing vectors in physics and engineering, highlighting the use of arrowheads, underlining, and bold formatting. While many professors prefer the arrowhead notation for its clarity, alternatives such as underlining and bolding are also common. Richard Feynman's "Lectures on Physics" emphasizes the flexibility in vector notation, encouraging individuals to develop their own styles. The conversation illustrates that there is no universally "correct" method, but rather a range of accepted practices.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of vector notation in physics and engineering.
  • Familiarity with LaTeX for typesetting mathematical expressions.
  • Knowledge of bold and italic formatting in document preparation.
  • Basic concepts of unit vectors and arbitrary vectors.
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore LaTeX packages for advanced vector notation, specifically the bm package.
  • Research the implications of different vector notations in academic writing.
  • Study Richard Feynman's "Lectures on Physics" for insights on notation flexibility.
  • Practice writing vectors using both arrowheads and underlining in LaTeX.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, engineering students, educators in STEM fields, and anyone interested in mathematical typesetting and notation conventions.

eurekameh
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In introductory physics and lower-level engineering courses, my professors would write their vectors with arrowheads on top. Now, I'm starting to see them being underlined a lot more. Why is this? Personally, I still like the arrowheads on top convention, but I can start underlining them if it would be beneficial in the long run.
 
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Well, in texts it is usually bold such as "vector R" but I don't think there is a "correct" way. I've seen over line, over arrow, under line, Bold, and left side lines (connected to letter)Most professors use over the top arrow since its easiest to denote (much easier then trying to make a letter bold!) But Richard Feynman is his "Lectures on Physics" explained all the many ways to denote, and ended it with "You can invent your own!" (pg 22 Vol II)
 
By hand, arbitrary vectors with underbar, unit vectors underbar with hat, e.g.
[tex] \ddot{\underline r} = \left(\ddot{r} - r\dot{\theta}^2\right) \hat{\underline e}_r + \left(r\ddot{\theta} + 2\dot{r}\dot{\theta}\right)\hat{\underline e}_\theta[/tex]

Using [itex]\LaTeX[/itex], bold italic (\usepackage[/color]{[/color]bm}[/color] and \renewcommand[/color]{[/color]\vec[/color]}[/color][1]{[/color]\bm[/color]{[/color]#1}}[/color]), e.g.
[tex] \ddot{\boldsymbol r} = \left(\ddot{r} - r\dot{\theta}^2\right) \hat{\boldsymbol e}_r + \left(r\ddot{\theta} + 2\dot{r}\dot{\theta}\right)\hat{\boldsymbol e}_\theta[/tex]
 
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