Can Pi Help Us Understand Velocity and Acceleration?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the potential relationship between the mathematical constant Pi (π) and the concepts of velocity and acceleration, particularly in the context of a compass's movement. Participants explore whether a formula can be derived that connects these concepts through the use of Pi.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes imagining a compass that can open to create a radius and draw a circle, questioning if a formula for velocity and acceleration can be derived based on Pi.
  • Another participant suggests that to discuss the "velocity" of the compass's legs, it is necessary to define the motion in terms of angular change and linear movement, noting that the leg's outward movement would trace a spiral, which does not relate to Pi.
  • A different participant acknowledges the existing formulas for velocity and acceleration but suggests that if a fixed velocity is assumed for both movements of the compass, Pi might relate to acceleration in contexts such as gravity and relativity.
  • One participant expresses skepticism about the novelty of the idea, indicating that the path length related to the compass's movement has been known for centuries.
  • Another participant questions the relationship between Pi and acceleration, seeking clarification on this connection.
  • A later reply asserts that there is no relationship between Pi and the scenario presented with the compass.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the relevance of Pi to the concepts of velocity and acceleration, with some proposing potential connections while others firmly reject the idea. The discussion remains unresolved, with no consensus reached.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty regarding the definitions and assumptions underlying their claims, particularly about the motion of the compass and the applicability of Pi to the proposed scenario.

stidiek
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TL;DR
Imagine a compass that can move in two ways: 1- Opening it to make a Radius 2- Draw a circle. If we can imagine it going at the same velocity (or accelaration), can we create a phormula of velocity and aceleration base on Pi... and see what it implies?
Imagine a compass that can move in two ways: 1- Opening it to make a Radius 2- Draw a circle. If we can imagine it going at the same velocity (or accelaration), can we create a phormula of velocity and aceleration base on Pi... and see what it implies?
 
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stidiek said:
Imagine a compass that can move in two ways: 1- Opening it to make a Radius 2- Draw a circle. If we can imagine it going at the same velocity (or accelaration), can we create a phormula of velocity and aceleration base on Pi... and see what it implies?
This is somewhat confused. If you're talking about the "velocity" at which the legs open, you need to describe that motion in terms of how many degrees or radians per second/minute/whatever the angle changes. You would also need to describe the rate at which the moving leg moves, either in inches/cm/whatever per second/minute/whatever or in terms of the rate of change of angle, relative to some fixed direction.

In any case, if one leg of the compass is moving outward, that leg will trace out a spiral, which does have a formula, but the formula doesn't have anything to do with the number ##\pi##.

In polar coordinates, the equation ##r = \theta## represents a spiral.
 
Hi, I think you get the idea behind it. We already had velocity and acceleration phormulas, but I'm proposing to imagine a fixed velocity in both movements of the compass, then, given that, Pi can be seen in terms of acceleration. Gravity and Pi are related in relativity phormulas, pendulum... etc... so I guess I'm just pointing to a previously searched region of questions... but maybe it's a refreshing thought.
 
242879
 
stidiek said:
... but maybe it's a refreshing thought.
I'm afraid you're a couple of thousands years late. And its path length is known since 1670.
 
I know that Pi has a value (incomplete)... Can we just talk about its relation with the acceleration (?)
 
Last edited:
Thread closed.
There is no relationship between ##\pi## and your scenario with the compass.
 

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