2nd derivative of angular displacement wrt time

In summary, the conversation discusses whether the equation ##\frac{d^2\theta}{dt^2} = (\frac{d\theta}{dt})^2## is valid for angular displacement ##\theta##. It is proven to be false through the use of a parameterized example. The equation is dimensionally correct but not equivalent, as shown through two sanity checks.
  • #1
Prez Cannady
21
2
If ##\theta## is angular displacement, does ##\frac{d^2\theta}{dt^2} = (\frac{d\theta}{dt})^2##? Proof?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Parameterized, I think not. A contradiction:

$$ \theta = sin(t) $$
$$ \frac{d\theta}{dt} = cos(t) $$
$$ \frac{d^2\theta}{dt^2} = -sin(t) $$
$$ \left(\frac{d\theta}{dt}\right)^2 = (cos(t))^2 $$
 
  • #3
How about this:
$$
\begin{align}
\theta(t) &= t \\
\frac{d\theta}{dt} &= 1 \\
\frac{d^2\theta}{dt^2} &= 0 \neq \left( \frac{d\theta}{dt} \right)^2
\end{align}
$$
 
  • #4
Yeah. Dimensionally they agree because ##\theta## is dimensionless, but they're not equivalent. Thanks.
 
  • #5
Try a couple of sanity checks of the proposed equation:
1) If the rotation rate is not changing, the second derivative is zero. Does that mean that it is not rotating at all?
2) Since the right hand side is always positive, does that mean that the rotation rate can only get more positive?
 
  • Like
Likes Prez Cannady

1. What is the definition of the 2nd derivative of angular displacement with respect to time?

The 2nd derivative of angular displacement with respect to time is the rate of change of the 1st derivative of angular displacement with respect to time. In other words, it measures how quickly the rate of angular displacement is changing over time.

2. How is the 2nd derivative of angular displacement with respect to time calculated?

The 2nd derivative of angular displacement with respect to time can be calculated by taking the derivative of the 1st derivative of angular displacement with respect to time. This can be done using the chain rule and the product rule in calculus.

3. What is the significance of the 2nd derivative of angular displacement with respect to time in physics?

The 2nd derivative of angular displacement with respect to time is important in physics as it helps to describe the acceleration of an object rotating around a fixed axis. It can also be used to determine the angular velocity and angular acceleration of an object.

4. How does the 2nd derivative of angular displacement with respect to time relate to the 2nd law of motion?

The 2nd derivative of angular displacement with respect to time is related to the 2nd law of motion, which states that the acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the net force acting on it and inversely proportional to its mass. In the case of angular motion, the 2nd derivative of angular displacement is directly proportional to the net torque acting on the object and inversely proportional to its moment of inertia.

5. What are some real-life examples of the 2nd derivative of angular displacement with respect to time?

Some real-life examples of the 2nd derivative of angular displacement with respect to time include the motion of a spinning top, the rotation of a car tire, and the movement of a pendulum. In these cases, the 2nd derivative of angular displacement helps to describe the rate at which the objects are rotating and how that rotation is changing over time.

Similar threads

Replies
7
Views
278
  • Calculus
Replies
29
Views
703
Replies
3
Views
1K
Replies
4
Views
337
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
2
Replies
54
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
213
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
581
Back
Top