Negative vs. Positive Signs: An Easy Guide

  • Thread starter Thread starter SS2006
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Negative Positive
AI Thread Summary
Understanding negative and positive signs in physics can be simplified by remembering that the left side of the x-axis is typically negative, while the right side is positive. Friction always acts in the opposite direction of the applied force, meaning it can be considered negative when opposing motion. The definition of positive or negative is arbitrary and can be set based on the chosen coordinate system. When an object moves up a ramp, friction opposes the motion and is thus negative; conversely, when moving down, it acts in the same direction as the motion and can be considered positive. Clarity in these definitions aids in avoiding confusion regarding signs in physics.
SS2006
Messages
80
Reaction score
0
im always confued about negative and positive signs, soemone give em a easy way to remember
is whatever is on the left side of the x-axis egative, and above positive always?
also when is friction negative, if the mass if moving up a ramp, is friction always negative, and if its moving down, its postitive?
thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Friction always action in the opposite direction of the applied force. coordinate system is arbitary you can define positive or negative any way you want.
 

Thread 'Need help understanding particle physics and quantum physics'

So I know that electrons are fundamental, there's no 'material' that makes them up, it's like talking about a colour itself rather than a car or a flower. Now protons and neutrons and quarks and whatever other stuff is there fundamentally, I want someone to kind of teach me these, I have a lot of questions that books might not give the answer in the way I understand. Thanks
View full post »

Similar threads

Confusion over acceleration of gravity as positive/negative
Replies
10
Views
1K
When is the acceleration due to gravity negative and when is it positive?
Replies
13
Views
5K
How to obtain correct negative sign in calculation of motional emf?
Replies
2
Views
902
Negative Gravity? Is GPE Really -mgh?
Replies
2
Views
5K
Sign conventions for work done by/on a system
Replies
9
Views
3K
Question about springs and rotational/translational energy
Replies
4
Views
1K
Negative vs Positive work on an escalator
Replies
8
Views
4K
I Sign convention on work done to a closed system containing gas
Replies
5
Views
3K
Box and a Spring on on an inclined plane
Replies
11
Views
3K
Work done negative and positive
Replies
3
Views
3K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top