Converting Radians to Vector Notation for Simplifying Expressions

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on converting the arc length formula, dL = R dθ, into vector notation for simplification purposes. Participants suggest using cylindrical or spherical coordinates to achieve this conversion. The relationship between arc length, angle, and radius is established as s = θR, which is initially scalar. The conversation emphasizes the need for a complete problem statement to provide a more accurate solution.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of arc length in circular motion
  • Familiarity with cylindrical and spherical coordinates
  • Knowledge of vector notation and operations
  • Basic trigonometry and angular measurements
NEXT STEPS
  • Research cylindrical coordinates and their applications in vector notation
  • Study spherical coordinates and their conversion techniques
  • Learn about vector decomposition and component analysis
  • Explore the relationship between scalar and vector quantities in physics
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics or engineering, mathematicians dealing with vector calculus, and anyone interested in the geometric interpretation of circular motion.

orthovector
Messages
115
Reaction score
0
The arc length of a circle is radius times the angle between the two radius legs that connect the arc. Thus
dL = R d@

and dF = I dL x B where B and dL and dF are vectors.

how can I convert dL = R d@ into vector notation so that I can simplify these two expressions??
 
Physics news on Phys.org
seems an odd question, and further ellaboration is needed.

By the sounds of it, maybe you should just use cylindrical r or spherical co-ordinates.

You should google cylindrical co-odinates. There are standard formulas and fudge factors involved, that will get you to your "vector" co-ordinates.

When you say "Vector" do you mean Cartesian co-ordinates?

If this is in relation to a homework problem, please post the whole question
 
(Don't know if you've gotten it since, but...) As far as I'm aware, s = [tex]\theta[/tex]R, where s is the arc length, [tex]\theta[/tex] is the angle, and R is the radius, is entirely scalar. I can only see it "becoming a vector," if that makes sense, if you break literally everything up into components.

Could you please post the whole question?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K