Decomposing velocity vectors into polar axis

AI Thread Summary
To decompose velocity vectors into polar coordinates, the radial component must be identified as the part moving toward the radar at 5 m/s. The angular component is always perpendicular to the radial component and should be represented at a right angle from the radial component's head toward the velocity vector. The total velocity vector is the vector sum of these two components. Visual aids, like diagrams, can clarify the relationship between the components and help resolve confusion. Understanding this decomposition is essential for accurate analysis in polar coordinates.
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Homework Statement
A particle moves along a trajectory with velocity whose modulus is constant. At a certain time it is at a point of the trajectory whose radius of curvature is 15 m. At this moment, the modulus of the acceleration is 10 m/s^2. A radar detects that the particle, located 40 m above the ground, moves towards it with velocity v=5 m/s. The radius vector that goes from the radar to the particle forms an angle of 60° with the ground.
Find the angle formed by the velocity and the angular coordinate.
Relevant Equations
v=(dot r; r dot theta) in polar coordinates
Well, I drew the polar and standard axis centered in the particle and wrote which angles were equal to 60° so I could decompose the velocity. The problem says "moves towards it (the radar) with velocity v=5 m/s, so that's one of the components. But I realized that the velocity "cuts" the angle, so I don't know how I should decompose the velocity. Maybe it's a silly question, but it confuses me.

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The angular component is perpendicular to the radial component, so draw it at a right angle from the head of the radial component toward the velocity vector.
 
tnich said:
The angular component is perpendicular to the radial component, so draw it at a right angle from the head of the radial component toward the velocity vector.

So the velocity would have the same direction that the angular component?
 
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No, that would just be the way to draw than angular component. The angular velocity component is perpendicular to the radial component (radial with respect to the radar's positions). Their vector sum is the velocity vector.
 
Last edited:
tnich said:
No, that would just be the way to draw than angular component. The angular velocity component is perpendicular to the radial component (radial with respect to the radar's positions). Their vector sum is the velocity vector.
It looks like you are stuck on this part. You need to decompose the velocity vector into two perpendicular components, one pointing toward the radar. Maybe a picture would help.
homework.png
 
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