Question about notation in physics

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    Notation Physics
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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the notation used in physics for vectors, specifically in the context of a particle's velocity and position as functions of time. The original poster presents a scenario involving a particle with an initial velocity and a varying acceleration, seeking clarification on the proper representation of vector quantities in equations.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to integrate acceleration to find velocity and then position, questioning whether the vector notation (arrows) should be maintained when expressing these quantities as functions of time. Participants discuss the necessity of including unit vectors in the final expressions.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging in clarifying the notation for vectors in equations. Some guidance has been provided regarding the use of arrows and unit vectors, but the discussion remains open as participants explore the implications of these conventions.

Contextual Notes

The conversation reflects a focus on notation conventions in physics, particularly regarding vector representation, without delving into the specifics of the integrals or the resulting functions.

monac
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So it says that a particle is going with a velocity of 5i m/s at t = 0 and varying acceleration a = 6√t j.
it asked me to find the velocity and position of the particle as a function of time.
So i did an integral of the acceleration to get velocity and did the integral of the velocity to get the position. I was wondering whenever i write the equation as a function of time, do i still need that arrow (→ ) on top of the v for vector and r for position?
 
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monac said:
So it says that a particle is going with a velocity of 5i m/s at t = 0 and varying acceleration a = 6√t j.
it asked me to find the velocity and position of the particle as a function of time.
So i did an integral of the acceleration to get velocity and did the integral of the velocity to get the position. I was wondering whenever i write the equation as a function of time, do i still need that arrow (→ ) on top of the v for vector and r for position?
If it's a vector, then yes, we usually put the arrow above the variable.

\vec{r}(t) = x(t)\hat{i}+t(t)\hat{j}+z(t)\hat{k}
 
SammyS said:
If it's a vector, then yes, we usually put the arrow above the variable.

\vec{r}(t) = x(t)\hat{i}+t(t)\hat{j}+z(t)\hat{k}

so if I solved the integral and I got like
r(t) = 8t^2 + 5t
I put the arrow on top of the arrow since it's a vector. I get that ...
But do I still include the i and j?
so would it be r(t) = 8t^2 i + 5t j ?
 
monac said:
so if I solved the integral and I got like
r(t) = 8t^2 + 5t
I put the arrow on top of the arrow since it's a vector. I get that ...
But do I still include the i and j?
so would it be r(t) = 8t^2 i + 5t j ?
Yes, use the \hat{i} & \hat{j}\,.

If the left side of an equation is a vector, then the right side must also be a vector.
 
Thank you! :)
 

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