Acceleration in Plance Polar Coordinates

In summary, the formula ##a=(\ddot{r}-r(\ddot{\theta})^2)\hat{r}+(r\ddot{\theta}+2\dot{r}\dot{\theta})\hat{\theta}## represents the derivatives of the unit vectors in polar coordinates. These unit vectors have constant magnitude but their direction changes from point to point. The negative sign in front of the centripetal acceleration term indicates that it is opposite to ##\hat{r}##, and the term with 2 represents the Coriolis acceleration. Additionally, the centripetal acceleration term should have ##\dot{\theta}## instead of ##\ddot{\theta}##.
  • #1
Gbox
54
0
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
 
Science news on Phys.org
  • #2
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.
 
  • #3
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
 
  • #4
The negative sign shows that the centripetal acceleration is opposite to ## \hat{r} ##.
The term with 2 is the Coriolis acceleration.
 
  • Like
Likes Gbox
  • #5
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}##.
 

What is acceleration in plane polar coordinates?

Acceleration in plane polar coordinates is a measure of the rate of change of velocity with respect to time in a two-dimensional coordinate system. It is a vector quantity that describes the change in speed and direction of an object.

How is acceleration calculated in plane polar coordinates?

Acceleration in plane polar coordinates can be calculated using the formula a = (ar - rω2)er + (2rω' + rω2)eθ, where ar and aθ are the radial and tangential components of acceleration, ω is the angular velocity, and ω' is the angular acceleration.

What is the relationship between acceleration and velocity in plane polar coordinates?

Acceleration and velocity in plane polar coordinates are related through the derivative of the polar coordinate system. The change in velocity over time is equal to the acceleration multiplied by the change in position.

How does acceleration behave in different directions in plane polar coordinates?

In plane polar coordinates, acceleration can behave differently in the radial and tangential directions. The radial component of acceleration is responsible for changes in speed, while the tangential component is responsible for changes in direction.

What are some real-world applications of acceleration in plane polar coordinates?

Acceleration in plane polar coordinates has many real-world applications, including in the study of planetary orbits, motion of satellites, and the movement of objects in a circular path. It is also used in engineering, such as in the design of roller coasters and other amusement park rides.

Similar threads

Replies
8
Views
988
Replies
8
Views
230
Replies
6
Views
6K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
1K
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
12
Views
1K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
11
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
582
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
833
Back
Top