What happens to motion when the derivative of radial vector is negative?

  • Thread starter Thread starter stunner5000pt
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Motion
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the implications of a negative derivative of a radial vector in motion analysis. When the derivative r'(t=0) is positive, the motion exhibits positive displacement; conversely, a negative derivative indicates negative velocity. However, the subsequent motion remains ambiguous, particularly when considering the polar angle phi, which is defined by an exponential function. The conversation highlights the complexity of defining motion in multidimensional spaces, emphasizing that the sign of velocity cannot be simply determined in the context of polar coordinates.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of radial vectors and their derivatives in motion analysis
  • Familiarity with polar coordinates and their mathematical implications
  • Knowledge of exponential functions and their role in defining motion
  • Basic principles of multidimensional motion and vector analysis
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of radial vectors in motion dynamics
  • Learn about the implications of polar coordinates in multidimensional motion
  • Explore the mathematical behavior of exponential functions in physics
  • Investigate advanced topics in vector analysis and their applications in physics
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, and researchers focusing on motion dynamics, particularly those dealing with polar coordinates and vector analysis in advanced physics contexts.

stunner5000pt
Messages
1,447
Reaction score
5
Please help! Motion problem

Suppose one found the equation of a radial vector with respect to time.
Then if one were to differentiate it with respct to time and find the value of r'(t=0)
suppose that was value was positive then the velocity is positive
if negaitve then the velocity is negative
but what about the subsequent motion? keep in mind that the r(phi) where phi si the polar angle is given by an exp function.
I understand that if r'(0) > 0 then it will proceed with positive displacement
but hwat about the negative??

this is a follow on from this question https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=106913
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I am confused by your question. Are you working in one dimension here? If so then the polar angle is fixed. And if not then it makes no sense to talk about the sign of the velocity. What is the sign of the [itex]\mathbb{R}^2[/itex] vector [itex]<-1,3>[/itex]? You can't define it because [itex]\mathbb{R}^2[/itex] vectors aren't ordered like the reals are.
 
By the way stunner, these threads that you've been posting in Introductory Physics would acutally qualify as Advanced Physics, so I'm moving them. I think you will have better luck getting responses here.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
5K
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
2K