A particle moving with zero radial acceleration in polar coordinates

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The discussion centers on the condition for zero radial acceleration in polar coordinates, specifically when the radial distance is expressed as r = r0e^(βt). The initial claim that radial acceleration is zero without the assumption of β = ±ω is clarified; the correct condition for zero radial acceleration is indeed β = ±ω. Participants explain that substituting β with ±ω in the acceleration expression results in the radial component vanishing. This clarification resolves the confusion regarding the conditions under which the radial acceleration is zero. Understanding this relationship is crucial for analyzing particle motion in polar coordinates.
Leo Liu
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In the example above, the authors claim that when ##r=r_0e^{\beta t}##, the radial acceleration of the particle is 0. I don't quite understand it because they did not assume ##\beta=\pm \omega##.
Can anyone please explain it to me? Many thanks.
 
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Leo Liu said:
In the example above, the authors claim that when ##r=r_0e^{\beta t}##, the radial acceleration of the particle is 0.
No, they do not make that claim. They claim that the radial acceleration is zero when ##\beta=\pm \omega##.

All you have to do is replace ##\beta## with ##\pm \omega## in the expression for a and you'll see that the coefficient of ##\hat{r}## vanishes.
 
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Mister T said:
No, they do not make that claim. They claim that the radial acceleration is zero when ##\beta=\pm \omega##.

All you have to do is replace ##\beta## with ##\pm \omega## in the expression for a and you'll see that the coefficient of ##\hat{r}## vanishes.
I see, thanks.
 

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