Angles Formed by Particles' Positional Vectors

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the angles formed by the positional vectors of two particles, A and B, which are in circular motion with different radii and angular velocities. Particle A has a radius R and an angular velocity of 2w, while particle B has a radius of 2R and an angular velocity of w. The problem involves determining the angle between their positional vectors after a certain time interval.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the changing nature of the angle between the positional vectors and question the relevance of the radii in determining this angle. There is also a focus on the variable n and its impact on the angle, with some participants suggesting specific values for n to explore potential angles.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different interpretations of the problem and the implications of the given parameters. Some have offered insights into how the angle varies with n, while others express confusion about the problem's setup and the information provided.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted absence of information regarding the value of n, which is crucial for determining the angle. Additionally, the problem does not explicitly connect the radius of the circles to the angle formed by the positional vectors, leading to further questioning among participants.

davidpac
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a particle A has a circular movement with radius R and angular velocity of 2w, a particle B has a radius of 2R and an angular velocity of w, both velocities remain constant. particle B rotates clockwise and particle A rotates anticlockwise for an interval of t = n/(2w)

what angle is formed by the positional vectors of these two particles?

the options are: 0, 3pi/2, pi/2, pi.

note: the vector of these two particle's movement have the same origin, their movement make two circles, which have the same origin. particle B's circle has double the radius of particle A.

They don't say absolutely anything about the value of n.

from a sketch I've made, I say the angle is pi/2. but again, it all depends on the value of n.

any ideas?
 
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Some information is missing since the angle between the positional vectors will always be changing. It seems that the radius of each circle doesn't matter in terms of the angle between the position vectors.

EDIT: You're right, the answer is in terms of n, but none of the options have n in them.
w * t for particle A = -n radians
w * t for particle B = n/2 radians.
 
I have written absolutely everything that they gave me, I'm also finding it impossible to solve this problem.
 
Why would your teacher give you R?
 
if for example n = 1, the angle would be 3pi/2. do you agree?
 
I guess it depends on how you define negative and positive, but yes I agree.
It would be 3pi/2 if you measured clockwise from A to B.
 

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