Acceleration in Plance Polar Coordinates

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the acceleration in polar coordinates, specifically the formula for acceleration, which is expressed as a=(\ddot{r}-r(\ddot{\theta})^2)\hat{r}+(r\ddot{\theta}+2\dot{r}\dot{\theta})\hat{\theta}. Key components include the terms -r(\ddot{\theta})^2, which represents centripetal acceleration directed opposite to \hat{r}, and 2\dot{r}\dot{\theta}, which denotes Coriolis acceleration. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding the derivatives of unit vectors in polar coordinates, where unit vectors change direction but maintain constant magnitude.

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  • Understanding of polar coordinates and their unit vectors
  • Knowledge of calculus, specifically derivatives and the chain rule
  • Familiarity with concepts of centripetal and Coriolis acceleration
  • Basic proficiency in vector notation and operations
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  • Study the derivatives of unit vectors in polar coordinates
  • Learn about centripetal acceleration and its mathematical representation
  • Explore Coriolis acceleration and its applications in physics
  • Review advanced calculus topics related to vector calculus and motion in non-Cartesian coordinates
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Students and professionals in physics, particularly those studying mechanics and dynamics, as well as mathematicians focusing on vector calculus and polar coordinate systems.

Gbox
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I am looking to understand more about ##a=(\ddot{r}-r(\ddot{\theta})^2)\hat{r}+(r\ddot{\theta}+2\dot{r}\dot{\theta})\hat{\theta}##

I understand the terms ##\ddot{r}## and ##r\ddot{\theta}## ,but why ##-r(\ddot{\theta})^2## has opposite direction to ##\hat{r}## and why ##2\dot{r}\dot{\theta}## is multiply by 2
 
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These terms came from the derivatives of the unit vectors. In polar coordinates the unit vectors are not constants. They have constant magnitude but direction changes from point to point.
When you take the derivative of ##\dot{r}\hat{r}## (the radial part of the velocity) you need to use the chain rule:
##\ddot{r} \hat{r}+ \dot{r} \dot{\hat{r}}##
Look up the derivatives of the unit vectors. (Hint: the derivative of ## \hat{r} ## is along ##\hat{\theta}## and viceversa
After you do the same for the angular part and collect the terms you will get that formula.
 
nasu said:
These terms came from the derivatives of the unit vectors. In polar coordinates the unit vectors are not constants. They have constant magnitude but direction changes from point to point.
When you take the derivative of ##\dot{r}\hat{r}## (the radial part of the velocity) you need to use the chain rule:
##\ddot{r} \hat{r}+ \dot{r} \dot{\hat{r}}##
Look up the derivatives of the unit vectors. (Hint: the derivative of ## \hat{r} ## is along ##\hat{\theta}## and viceversa
After you do the same for the angular part and collect the terms you will get that formula.
Yes, I understand that, I am just trying to get some intuition for the terms I mention
 
The negative sign shows that the centripetal acceleration is opposite to ## \hat{r} ##.
The term with 2 is the Coriolis acceleration.
 
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nasu said:
The negative sign shows that the centripetal acceleration is opposite to ## \hat{r} ##.
The term with 2 is the Coriolis acceleration.
Also, that centripetal acceleration term should have ##\dot{\theta}##, not ##\ddot{\theta}##.
 

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