Why is the squared meters negative?

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In summary, the conversation discusses the use of negative exponents in energy auditing standards, specifically in the form of Watts per negative square meter (W·m-2). It is explained that the dot between the W and m represents multiplication, not division, and that negative exponents can be rewritten as fractions. The conversation concludes with the understanding that W·m-2 is equivalent to W/m2.
  • #1
R_Ham
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Hello,
I work in energy auditing. I noticed a lot of the standards I am given for lighting, etc are in Watts per negative square meter: W·m-2.

Does anyone know what this means? Why isn't it just in W·m2 ?
 
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  • #2
##a^{-n}## means the same as ##1/a^n##

Anything raised to negative power is the same as a fraction with the thing being in the denominator.

So what does ##Wm^{-2}## mean?
 
  • #3
R_Ham said:
Hello,
I work in energy auditing. I noticed a lot of the standards I am given for lighting, etc are in Watts per negative square meter: W·m-2.

Does anyone know what this means? Why isn't it just in W·m2 ?
The dot between the w and the m is times, not divided by. I'm not sure why you would write it that way, but W·m-2 = W/m2
 
  • #4
Yes, this all makes sense now. Can't believe I didn't realize that one -_- . I don't know why, but the standards are just always written like that W·m-2.
 

FAQ: Why is the squared meters negative?

Why does a negative value for squared meters even exist?

Contrary to popular belief, negative values for squared meters do not represent a physical quantity. Rather, they are a mathematical concept used to represent opposite directions or orientations. In science, we often use negative values to denote a decrease or decrease in a certain quantity.

Can negative squared meters be measured in real life?

No, negative squared meters cannot be measured in real life. As mentioned before, they are a mathematical concept and do not represent a physical quantity. In real life, we can only measure positive values for squared meters as they represent the area of an object or space.

How do we interpret a negative value for squared meters?

A negative value for squared meters means that the area being measured is in the opposite direction or orientation from the reference point. For example, if the reference point is north and the negative value is -5 squared meters, it would mean that the area is 5 squared meters south of the reference point.

Why do we use negative squared meters in scientific calculations?

Negative squared meters are used in scientific calculations to accurately represent the direction and orientation of measurements. For example, when calculating the change in position or displacement of an object, negative squared meters can help us determine if the object moved in a positive or negative direction from the starting point.

Can negative squared meters ever have a physical meaning?

In some rare cases, negative squared meters may have a physical meaning in certain scientific fields such as quantum physics. However, this is a highly complex and specialized concept and does not have a direct application in everyday life. In most scientific calculations, negative squared meters are used solely as a mathematical tool to represent direction and orientation.

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