A proposal for a new symbolism to indicate phasors

Abstract

Even in the most elementary courses on introductory physics at university level, the use of \textit{rotating vectors} (or \textit{phasors}) is of great help to solve problems related to alternating current circuits and to light interference. In this work I propose a novel notation to indicate a physical quantity that can be represented by a phasor. The symbolism of this new notation appears simple and easily understandable, as testified also by the outcomes of a questionnaire I distributed to students. Furthermore, the results of objective tests made on two samples of students, one trained with and the other one without the new notation, show the potential impact that the new notation can have on the understanding of phasors.