Solving Physics Questions: Scalars, Vectors, Displacement, Paths & More

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around fundamental concepts in physics, particularly focusing on the distinctions between scalars and vectors, the nature of displacement versus path, and the implications of significant figures. The questions posed by a first-year electronic engineering student invite exploration of these topics, with participants providing various insights and challenges.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that the expressions A+B, the addition of A and B, and the sum of A and B are synonymous in American English, while others indicate that there may be a difference as asserted by the professor.
  • One participant introduces tensors as additional quantities beyond scalars and vectors in physics.
  • There is a contention regarding whether all quantities with direction and magnitude are vectors, with one participant arguing that the question is flawed as mathematics can express everything as vectors regardless of meaning.
  • Displacement is described as having a specific way to "make" it, which may depend on interpretation.
  • Significant figures are mentioned as a tool for estimating uncertainty, but one participant argues they are not used for serious scientific work.
  • Questions arise about the scientific meaning of acceleration, with one participant asserting it has meaning while another challenges that notion.
  • The human body is discussed in terms of being an accelerometer, with questions about the ability to feel acceleration, while its role as a speedometer is questioned in relation to relativity.
  • One participant suggests looking into logic gates (AND, OR, XOR) as a potential clue to understanding the differences in vector addition terminology.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on several topics, particularly regarding the definitions and implications of scalars, vectors, and related concepts. No consensus is reached on the distinctions between the terms used for vector addition or the nature of acceleration.

Contextual Notes

Some questions remain vague or poorly defined, such as the inquiry about finding all other variables in physics and the implications of significant figures in scientific work. The discussion reflects a range of interpretations and assumptions that are not fully resolved.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to students in physics or engineering, educators seeking to understand common misconceptions, and anyone exploring foundational concepts in physics and mathematics.

dido28
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hi everyone I'm in my first year of electronic engineering and i have some questions which the professor of physics gave us but more as research than homeworks and to be honest i really tried but i didn't found anythings so I'm here to asking for your help
1- what is the difference between: (A and B are vectors)
A+B
the addition of A and B
the sum of A and B
2-is it true that in physics we have only scalars and vectors as quantities ?
3-is it true that all quantities which have direction and magnitude are vectors ?
4-what is the difference between the displacement and the path ?
5-how using the significants figures contributed in the scientific development ?
6- if you have the time and space can you find all other variables in physics ?
7-acceleration has no scientific meaning , why ?
8-the body of human is an accelerometer ,why ?
9-the body of human is not a speedometer ,why ?
if you can give me the answers or just tell me where i can found them it will really help me
 
Last edited:
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dido28 said:
1- what is the difference between: (A and B are vectors); A+B; the addition of A and B; the sum of A and B

In the version of American English that I use, they all mean the same thing. In the version of English used in your part of the world (wherever that is), perhaps there is a difference.
 
that is what i said to the professor but he insist and told me that there is a difference :confused:
 
dido28 said:
that is what i said to the professor but he insist and told me that there is a difference :confused:

Here is how you could respond to your professor:

Of course there is a difference between A+B and "the sum of A and B". The difference happens to be zero.
 
believe me i will :approve: but for the rest any suggestions
 
dido28 said:
2-is it true that in physics we have only scalars and vectors as quantities ?
Tensors.

3-is it true that all quantities which have direction and magnitude are vectors ?
That question is bad. In mathematics, you can express everything as vector. It does not matter if it is meaningful.

4-what is the difference between the displacement and the path ?
I would say that a path has a specific way to "make" that displacement, but that depends on the precise interpretation of the question.

5-how using the significants figures contributed in the scientific development ?
The concept of significant figures can be nice to get a rough estimate of an uncertainty, but it is not used for serious scientific work.

6- if you have the time and space can you find all other variables in physics ?
What does that even mean?

7-acceleration has no scientific meaning , why ?
Of course it has.

8-the body of human is an accelerometer ,why ?
Can you feel an acceleration?

9-the body of human is not a speedometer ,why ?
Speed relative to what? See principle of relativity.
 
I think the clue to the (A & B) versus (A + B) is to be found in your course subject as an electronic engineer.

You should look up
AND gates
OR gates
XOR gates

and you will have your answer
 
tanks evryone
 

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