Writing correct sign of quantities

In summary, "Writing correct sign of quantities" emphasizes the importance of accurately denoting the signs (positive or negative) of numerical values in mathematical expressions and scientific contexts. Proper sign usage is crucial for conveying the correct meaning and ensuring accurate calculations, as it can significantly affect the results and interpretations of data. The guide highlights common conventions, potential pitfalls, and the necessity of clarity in communication when dealing with quantitative information.
  • #1
Rhdjfgjgj
31
3
Homework Statement
My doubt is regarding the signs for the given picture .
Here I didn't understand how my sir wrote dy/dt=vi-3vo.
I felt I should have been
3vo -vi because this vector is opposite to the velocity vector of the object . This is a question from geometrical optics.
Relevant Equations
No equations needed
IMG_20231112_203241.jpg
 
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  • #2
Hi,

All very interesting, but what's this all about ? What is the complete problem statement ?
Which way is positive ?

##\ ##
 
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  • #3
Rhdjfgjgj said:
Here I didn't understand how my sir wrote dy/dt=vi-3vo.
I felt I should have been
3vo -vi because this vector is opposite to the velocity vector of the object .
Respect to the ground, which value of velocity is greater, the velocity of the lens or mirror (3Vo) or the velocity of the image projected by it (Vi)?

Which subtraction gives a positive dy/dt?

Note that distance y grows positive (to the right) from the mirror or lens, while distance x grows positive (to the left) from the mirror or lens.
 
  • #4
My sir taught us to find velocity of image when mirror is at rest. So we used relative motion ka concept. Wrt to mirror, object is moving with 4vo away from the mirror along normal. He assumed that the image is formed at i and assumed that it's moving with vi as shown .

He assumed object distance as x and image distance as y.
Now just see the expression of dx/dt and dy/dt . The expression is written wrt mirror
Since vi is opposite of vo dy/dt has to be -(vi-3vo) . Like almost all these question types he used same thing only .
vi is velocity of image wrt ground.
Lnewqban said:
Respect to the ground, which value of velocity is greater, the velocity of the lens or mirror (3Vo) or the velocity of the image projected by it (Vi)?

Which subtraction gives a positive dy/dt?

Note that distance y grows positive (to the right) from the mirror or lens, while distance x grows positive (to the left) from the mirror or lens.
Since y is increasing vi must be grater than 3vo. And since he wrote dx/dt as 4vo I assume he must have taken the left direction as + for velocity.
BvU said:
Hi,

All very interesting, but what's this all about ? What is the complete problem statement ?
Which way is positive ?

##\ ##
 
  • #5
Friends im waiting for your reply
 
  • #6
In terms of relative velocities, you have ##\vec v_{IG} = \vec v_{IM} + \vec v_{MG}## where
\begin{align*}
\vec v_{IG} &= \text{velocity of the image with respect to the ground} = v_I \,\hat i \\
\vec v_{IM} &= \text{velocity of the image with respect to the mirror} = \frac{dy}{dt} \hat i\\
\vec v_{MG} &= \text{velocity of the mirror with respect to the ground} = 3v_o\,\hat i
\end{align*} If you solve that equation for ##dy/dt##, you get what your instructor wrote down.

More intuitively, if the image moves to the right (holding the mirror position fixed), ##y## increases, so ##dy/dt## and ##v_I## have the same sign. If the mirror moves to the right (with the image position fixed), it will cause ##y## to decrease, so ##3v_o## comes in with a negative sign.
 
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  • #7
vela said:
In terms of relative velocities, you have ##\vec v_{IG} = \vec v_{IM} + \vec v_{MG}## where
\begin{align*}
\vec v_{IG} &= \text{velocity of the image with respect to the ground} = v_I \,\hat i \\
\vec v_{IM} &= \text{velocity of the image with respect to the mirror} = \frac{dy}{dt} \hat i\\
\vec v_{MG} &= \text{velocity of the mirror with respect to the ground} = 3v_o\,\hat i
\end{align*} If you solve that equation for ##dy/dt##, you get what your instructor wrote down.

More intuitively, if the image moves to the right (holding the mirror position fixed), ##y## increases, so ##dy/dt## and ##v_I## have the same sign. If the mirror moves to the right (with the image position fixed), it will cause ##y## to decrease, so ##3v_o## comes in with a negative sign.
Well, in that case vo(object velocity) should have been -4voi
 
  • #8
It seems ##x## is a distance, not a position, and ##v_o## is a speed, not a velocity.
 
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FAQ: Writing correct sign of quantities

What is the importance of writing the correct sign of quantities in scientific calculations?

Writing the correct sign of quantities is crucial in scientific calculations because it ensures the accuracy and validity of the results. Incorrect signs can lead to significant errors, misinterpretations, and potentially flawed conclusions, which can affect experiments, engineering designs, and theoretical models.

How do I determine the correct sign for a physical quantity in mechanics?

The correct sign for a physical quantity in mechanics is determined by the chosen coordinate system and reference direction. For example, in a one-dimensional motion problem, if you choose the positive x-direction to the right, then any displacement, velocity, or force to the right is positive, and those to the left are negative. Consistency in applying the chosen reference direction is key.

What are common mistakes to avoid when assigning signs to quantities in electric circuits?

Common mistakes include not adhering to the passive sign convention, where the current entering the positive terminal of an element is considered positive. Another mistake is ignoring the direction of current flow and voltage drops, which can lead to incorrect application of Kirchhoff's laws. Always double-check the orientation and reference directions for current and voltage.

How can I ensure the correct sign when dealing with vector quantities?

To ensure the correct sign when dealing with vector quantities, always break the vector into its components and apply the appropriate sign based on the coordinate system. Use vector addition rules carefully and consistently apply the right-hand rule for cross products. Visualizing the vector directions and their components can also help in assigning the correct signs.

What role do signs play in thermodynamic quantities?

In thermodynamics, signs indicate the direction of energy transfer. For example, heat added to a system is positive, while heat lost is negative. Similarly, work done by the system on its surroundings is positive, whereas work done on the system is negative. Correctly assigning these signs is essential for applying the first and second laws of thermodynamics accurately.

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