Dots On Physics Equations. What Do They Mean?

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Dots on physics equations. What do they mean?
  • Context: High School
  • Thread starter Thread starter epislon58
  • Start date Start date Aug 25, 2013
  • Tags Tags Mean Physics
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the meaning of dots in physics equations, particularly in the context of derivatives with respect to time. Participants explore the implications of one dot, two dots, and a dot on the side, seeking clarification on their meanings and applications in various equations.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that a dot above a variable indicates a derivative with respect to time, while two dots signify the second derivative.
  • Others question the meaning of a dot on the side, with suggestions that it may relate to notation similar to f prime and f double prime.
  • A participant mentions the Euler Lagrange equation, raising a question about the presence of a dot in that context.
  • There are claims that a dot on the side may simply be a punctuation mark or misplaced notation.
  • Some participants express frustration with repetitive questions and assert that the discussion may be concluding without new contributions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on the meaning of a dot on the side, and participants express differing views on its significance. The discussion remains unresolved regarding this particular notation.

Contextual Notes

Some participants emphasize the importance of providing context and examples when discussing notation, indicating that misunderstandings may arise from lack of clarity.

epislon58 Messages 49 Reaction score 1 So when there is a dot above the equation it means with respect to time. What does it mean if there are two on the top or one on the side? Physics news on Phys.org
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mfb Mentor Insights Author Messages 37,419 Reaction score 14,255 Two on top of a variable usually mean the second derivative with respect to time. "One on the side" - can you give an example? ZapperZ Staff Emeritus Science Advisor Homework Helper Insights Author Messages 32,812 Reaction score 4,723
epislon58 said: So when there is a dot above the equation it means with respect to time. What does it mean if there are two on the top or one on the side?
For future reference, always provide context and sources when you ask something like this. Zz. 256bits Gold Member Messages 4,213 Reaction score 2,221 That is a shorthand of writing the derivative. Two dots above would mean double derivative. One on the side - I don't recall that one. PS. 0405, 0406, 0408 and they all showed up with my post not before Nugatory Mentor Messages 15,519 Reaction score 10,727
epislon58 said: So when there is a dot above the equation it means with respect to time. What does it mean if there are two on the top or one on the side?
One dot on top usually means the first derivative with respect to time (that is, speed), two dots on top the second derivative with respect to time (that is, acceleration). A dot on the side? Show us an example of what you mean and you'll get a better answer. 256bits Gold Member Messages 4,213 Reaction score 2,221 perhaps the dot on the side - he is referring to f prime and f double prime - only thing i can think of, only it's not a dot. epislon58 Messages 49 Reaction score 1 This is what I am talking about.

Attachments

  • 1377450917544.jpg 1377450917544.jpg 19.8 KB · Views: 3,046
mfb Mentor Insights Author Messages 37,419 Reaction score 14,255 I think that is a punctuation mark. Or a misplaced time-derivative point. epislon58 Messages 49 Reaction score 1 Well it so the Euler Lagrange equation. Is it suppose to be there ? mfb Mentor Insights Author Messages 37,419 Reaction score 14,255 That's hard to tell from the RHS only, as both derivatives (with and without dot) are interesting. You can check the units to find it out. epislon58 Messages 49 Reaction score 1 This is the entire equation

Attachments

  • 1377452677693.jpg 1377452677693.jpg 29.6 KB · Views: 2,557
mfb Mentor Insights Author Messages 37,419 Reaction score 14,255 That is a punctuation mark. epislon58 Messages 49 Reaction score 1 Thank you good sir. namanjain Messages 70 Reaction score 0 it's just derivative wrt time . x = dx/dt = lim: t→0 in x/t CompuChip Science Advisor Homework Helper Messages 4,305 Reaction score 49 namanjain, OP is talking about the second dot. That's just a period marking the end of the sentence. namanjain Messages 70 Reaction score 0
CompuChip said: namanjain, OP is talking about the second dot. That's just a period marking the end of the sentence.
ohh! sorry read half of the first sentence well 2 on top means: .. x = d2x ______________ dt2 second derivative eg if x=t8 e(t2) a = d2x ______________ dt2 get answer using wits,(:-p it's short) aNs a= 56t6e(t2) + 34t8e(t2) 4t10e(t2) Last edited: Aug 31, 2013 mfb Mentor Insights Author Messages 37,419 Reaction score 14,255 namanjain please read the full thread, you are not adding anything new here. namanjain Messages 70 Reaction score 0
mfb said: namanjain please read the full thread, you are not adding anything new here.
then i suppose discussion is over, thank you Borek Mentor Messages 29,180 Reaction score 4,612 Over means over, thread closed.

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