Circular motion doubt: Angular velocity vector for general planar motion about a point in the plane

  • Thread starter Thread starter tellmesomething
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Circular Motion
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of angular velocity in the context of general planar motion about a point in the plane. Participants explore the relationship between linear velocity, angular velocity, and the radius vector, questioning the assumptions and definitions involved in these relationships.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the implications of using the entire velocity vector versus only the perpendicular component in relation to angular velocity. There is confusion regarding the physical interpretation of these vectors and their roles in changing direction and magnitude. Questions arise about the definitions of tangential velocity and its relationship to radial displacement and angular displacement.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants actively questioning and clarifying concepts related to angular and tangential velocities. Some have expressed understanding of the mathematical relationships, while others continue to seek clarity on how these relationships account for changes in radius.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the complexities of planar motion, including the effects of varying radius on velocity components. There is a focus on ensuring that the definitions and relationships used are appropriate for the general case being discussed.

tellmesomething
Messages
449
Reaction score
59
Homework Statement
Angular velocity vector = f( linear velocity vector , radius vector) for a general planar motion about a point in the plane. Suggest true or FALSE
a) linear velocity vector = angular velocity vector × radius vector.
b) Perpendicular velocity vectors= angular velocity vector × radius vector
Relevant Equations
The answer for the first one is given false and the answer to the second one is given as true.
I thought the opposite should be true since its a general planar motion its not necessary that the magnitude of radius vector is constant so the change in direction and magnitude of radius vector should be generated by the perpendicular velocity vector and parallel velocity vector respectively ? Therefore the whole velocity vector should be taken instead of only the perpendicular component since that Is only responsible for changing direction.... It does make sense mathematically since cross product creates another vector perpendicular to the two vectors taken but I cannot make sense of it physically...
 
Physics news on Phys.org
tellmesomething said:
Homework Statement: Angular velocity vector = f( linear velocity vector , radius vector) for a general planar motion about a point in the plane. Suggest true or FALSE
a) linear velocity vector = angular velocity vector × radius vector.
b) Perpendicular velocity vectors= angular velocity vector × radius vector
Relevant Equations: The answer for the first one is given false and the answer to the second one is given as true.

I thought the opposite should be true since its a general planar motion its not necessary that the magnitude of radius vector is constant so the change in direction and magnitude of radius vector should be generated by the perpendicular velocity vector and parallel velocity vector respectively ? Therefore the whole velocity vector should be taken instead of only the perpendicular component since that Is only responsible for changing direction.... It does make sense mathematically since cross product creates another vector perpendicular to the two vectors taken but I cannot make sense of it physically...
Consider a radial displacement ##dr## and an angular displacement ##d\theta##, leading to a tangential displacement ##rd\theta##, in time ##dt##. Taking the limit, ##v_r=\frac{dr}{dt}, v_{\theta}=r\frac{d\theta}{dt}##.
E.g., consider the case of a purely radial velocity.
 
haruspex said:
Consider a radial displacement ##dr## and an angular displacement ##d\theta##, leading to a tangential displacement ##rd\theta##, in time ##dt##. Taking the limit, ##v_r=\frac{dr}{dt}, v_{\theta}=r\frac{d\theta}{dt}##.
E.g., consider the case of a purely radial velocity.
I am not sure I understand....you say that radius times angular velocity = velocity theta...is velocity theta the perpendicular component of velocity? If so why?
 
tellmesomething said:
I am not sure I understand....you say that radius times angular velocity = velocity theta...is velocity theta the perpendicular component of velocity? If so why?
By ##v_{\theta}## I meant the velocity in the tangential direction. Do you understand that the displacement in the tangential direction is ##rd\theta##?
 
tellmesomething said:
Yes, such a small displacement becomes equal to the arc length i.e distance so ds=rd(theta). I get that, but I dont get how you get tangential velocity=rd (theta)/dt.
Just divide both sides by dt:
##ds=rd\theta##
##\frac{ds}{dt}=r\frac{d\theta}{dt}##
where ##ds## is the tangential displacement.
 
haruspex said:
Just divide both sides by dt:
##ds=rd\theta##
##\frac{ds}{dt}=r\frac{d\theta}{dt}##.
Yes sorry got it. After this we get tangential velocity = r d(theta)/dt but how is this accounting for the change in the radius?
 
haruspex said:
Just divide both sides by dt:
##ds=rd\theta##
##\frac{ds}{dt}=r\frac{d\theta}{dt}##
where ##ds## is the tangential displacement.
That's silly of me, it all makes sense sorry for the trivial overlook, thankyou I got it. r * d(theta)/dt is nothing but r times angular velocity. Thankyou again
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: berkeman

Similar threads

Replies
1
Views
836
Replies
26
Views
2K
Replies
55
Views
3K
Replies
26
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
8
Views
2K
Replies
11
Views
3K
Replies
67
Views
4K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
1K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
4K