Vectors & Scalars: Understanding Directional Properties

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the properties of vectors and scalars, particularly in the context of one-dimensional motion, the interpretation of negative and positive signs in scalar quantities, and the definitions of scalars and vectors. Participants explore theoretical implications, definitions, and semantic distinctions related to these concepts.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants argue that scalar values should be absolute values without signs, while others suggest that scalars can include both positive and negative values depending on context.
  • One participant asserts that negative speed is a misinterpretation, as speed is defined as the magnitude of velocity, which is inherently non-negative.
  • There is a discussion about the definitions of scalars and vectors, with some participants noting that a scalar can be viewed as a tensor of rank zero, while a vector is a tensor of rank one.
  • Another participant highlights that potential energy and work can have positive or negative values based on the chosen reference point, suggesting that only changes in these quantities have physical significance.
  • Some participants mention the confusion arising from the use of the term "scalar" in different contexts, such as in relativity, where it may refer to components of four-vectors.
  • Clarifications are made regarding the nature of tensors and their independence from coordinate systems, with examples provided to illustrate the differences between scalars, vectors, and tensors.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the definitions and interpretations of scalars and vectors, with no consensus reached on the nature of scalar quantities or the implications of negative values in this context.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include varying definitions of scalars and the potential for confusion due to different contexts in which the term is used, such as in mathematics versus physics. The discussion also reflects unresolved semantic issues regarding the interpretation of negative values in scalar quantities.

  • #61
Originally posted by DavidW
Too late, I just reported you recomending your dismissal for threatening me

David, I am a moderator here. One of my duties is to issue warnings. I did not threaten you, I just did my job, and the Administrator has told me he will back me up on it.

Seriously, what did you hope to accomplish with this? I got this position because the Administrator recognized me as one of the more knowledgeable members. You, on the other hand, are just some raving looney who walked in off the street. Surely you knew this was a losing battle?

and asked for a link for where I could cancel my own memebership

Like I said, we'll handle it for you ASAP. You'll be able to tell your changed status by your new title, "Cracker".

due to your cranky responces in the face of physics facts and the truth.

You simply do not know what you are talking about.

As I pointed out, we were talking about matters of definition here. There is no inherent "truth" or "factuality" in definitions. I only tried to explain to you what the standard convention is and that it differs from what you hold to. You need to study more physics, simple as that.

Seriously David, you blew it at this message board over nothing.

You are not a physicist.

Not yet, but I am working on my thesis.

I am, but you lost me.

You flatter yourself too much. Your profile says that you have an MS in physics and teach at the college level. I hate to burst your bubble, but an MS does not a physicist make. Hell, I am more advanced in my education than you, and I won't call myself a physicist until I finish my PhD.

Guess your stuck with pmb and yourself (prabably you are pmb under a second name)

Hear that ladies? He's got all that, and psychosis too. What a catch! LOL

who merely speculates what actual physics is about.

Some speculation is OK, but I prefer the "study and research" approach. Give it a shot sometime, it will really help you out.
 
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  • #62
LMAO! Its always funny to see physics arguments get s personal. Davidw, you shouldn't hold a grudge like that. It just looks like you have issues with PMB, not like you are trying to discuss the issue here. And oh yeah, that quite curtious of you to cancel your own membership to a place you don't like, instead of just leaving. Ha ha ha ha ha.
 

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