The discussion revolves around the concepts of angular velocity, acceleration, torque, and momentum, particularly focusing on their directional properties in relation to circular motion. Participants are questioning why these vectors are oriented perpendicular to the plane of rotation rather than tangentially.
The discussion is ongoing, with various interpretations being explored regarding the nature of the rotation and the implications of using different vector orientations. Some participants have offered insights into the mathematical simplicity of using perpendicular vectors, but no consensus has been reached.
There appears to be some ambiguity regarding the type of circular motion being referenced, which may affect the understanding of the angular quantities involved.
BadSkittles said:Hello, can anyone explain why the direction of angular velocity, acceleration, torque, and momentum point perpendicular to the rotation of the circle? It seems to make more sense if it pointed in the tangential direction.
By using a vector perpendicular to the plane of some angular quality, the math is simpler since normal vector math can be used, and a vector provides sufficient information, direction and magnitude.BadSkittles said:Hello, can anyone explain why the direction of angular velocity, acceleration, torque, and momentum point perpendicular to the rotation of the circle? It seems to make more sense if it pointed in the tangential direction.