Circular motion-centripetal acceleration

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the relationship between linear velocity and angular displacement in circular motion, specifically addressing the formula delta(v) = v * delta(T). Participants clarify that while velocity changes direction in circular motion, its magnitude remains constant. The correct relationship is established as v = r * (dθ/dt), where r is the radius and θ is the angle. The confusion arises when delta(T) does not approach zero, leading to questions about the validity of the original formula in such cases.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of circular motion principles
  • Familiarity with angular displacement and its relationship to linear velocity
  • Knowledge of calculus concepts such as limits and derivatives
  • Basic proficiency in LaTeX for mathematical expressions
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of centripetal acceleration formulas
  • Learn about the relationship between angular velocity and linear velocity in circular motion
  • Explore the concept of limits in calculus, particularly in relation to delta notation
  • Practice writing mathematical expressions in LaTeX for clarity in communication
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, educators teaching circular motion concepts, and anyone interested in the mathematical foundations of motion dynamics.

allok
Messages
16
Reaction score
0
hi

This latex code is giving me some problems. I write one thing, it displays something completely different

In circular motion velocity only changes direction but not size

change of velocity - \Delta v
Change of angle - \Delta T
Velocity - V
Centripetal acceleration - a

delta(V) = V * delta(T)

When delta(T) approaches its limit (goes to zero), change of velocity has same direction as acceleration vector?

We compute the magnitude of velocity change with :

Delta(v) = v * Delta(T)

I see this being true when change of angle approaches its limit ( goes to zero ), since then length of circular arc ( with radius begin velocity vector ) equals \Delta v. But that is not true if delta(T) is not approaching limit. So how can we use formula

delta(v) = V * delta(T)

in cases were delta(T) is not approaching zero, since I assume length of circle arc is quite different than delta(T) if delta(T) doesn't go to zero?

cheers
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
I think your original assumption may be incorrect. If you want to relate the linear velocity of the object on the circle circumference with the change in angle, it would be:

s = r\theta
\frac{ds}{dt} = r\frac{d\theta}{dt}
v = r\frac{d\theta}{dt}

where s is the circle arclength, r is the circle radius, and theta is the angle. The \frac{d\theta}{dt} would be equal to your \Delta T.
 
mezarashi said:
I think your original assumption may be incorrect. If you want to relate the linear velocity of the object on the circle circumference with the change in angle, it would be:

s = r\theta
\frac{ds}{dt} = r\frac{d\theta}{dt}
v = r\frac{d\theta}{dt}

where s is the circle arclength, r is the circle radius, and theta is the angle. The \frac{d\theta}{dt} would be equal to your \Delta T.

I don't get it. First of all, v = r\frac{d\theta}{dt} is not same formula as delta(v)=v*delta(theta)

I still don't understand why delta(v) = v * delta(theta) would give us correct result when delta(theta) is anything but d\theta ?
 

Similar threads

Replies
23
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
8
Views
2K
Replies
11
Views
1K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
11K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
813
Replies
55
Views
3K