What is the difference between t0 and ti?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the differences between the symbols t0 and ti as they relate to initial time in various contexts. It explores the use of different notations in physics and the implications of these choices on clarity and consistency in communication.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some authors prefer using ti for initial time and tf for final time, while others use t0 and t.
  • There is a suggestion that using t0 as a nonzero value might imply a starting point that is not the absolute beginning of a process, which could lead to confusion.
  • Participants note the importance of carefully examining definitions in different contexts to ensure understanding, as symbols can vary across publications.
  • It is mentioned that t0 might represent the first of several time points on a timeline that has a more complex origin.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the use of symbols for time, indicating that there is no consensus on a single standard notation.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the limitations of symbol usage, including the potential for ambiguity and the need for clear definitions in different contexts.

ihaveabutt
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and does this apply to everything (x0 etc)?
 
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Some authors call initial time ti and call final time tf.
Some authors call initial time t0 and call final time t.

Some author call initial velocity vi and call final velocity vf.
Some authors call initial velocity v0 and call final velocity v.

Personal preference in symbols.
 
Having t0 equal a nonzero value could seem strange. So maybe ti was invented for times when we wanted to refer to the starting point as already halfway through a process.
 
You just have to look carefully at the definition each time, if you want to be really sure.
Sometimes, it's hard to be consistent, from publication to publication, because there are only so many symbols to go round and they are often re-used.
t0 could be used to stand for the first of several tns used on an existing time line, which may have a time origin way back somewhere.
 

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