Depicting Vectors as Path-Dependent Rays

  • Context: Graduate 
  • Thread starter Thread starter vin300
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Rays Vectors
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the challenges of representing vectors as straight rays in physics and mathematics, particularly in the context of uniform circular motion. It highlights that the velocity vector's depiction is flawed, as illustrated by a problematic diagram on the Wikipedia page for areal velocity. The correct approach involves understanding vectors as path-dependent entities, emphasizing the significance of infinitesimal deltas in this representation. This perspective is crucial for accurately modeling motion in both space and space-time.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of uniform circular motion
  • Familiarity with vector representation in physics
  • Knowledge of areal velocity concepts
  • Basic calculus, particularly derivatives and infinitesimals
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the concept of areal velocity in detail
  • Study the implications of path-dependent vectors in physics
  • Explore advanced topics in calculus related to infinitesimals
  • Examine the correct representation of vectors in circular motion
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, mathematicians, and educators seeking to deepen their understanding of vector representation and motion dynamics in circular contexts.

vin300
Messages
602
Reaction score
4
This is a physics and math problem
The representation of a vector as a straight ray is problematic
Imagine an arc of a circle formed as a result of uniform circular motion.In time Δt, it traces out an arc of length vΔθ such that vΔθ/Δt =vω is the acceleration. v=rω comes from the fact that dx/dt=rdθ/dt and all higher derivatives are derived in exactly the same way with an ω in every next der.
The problem in depicting the velocity vector as a straight ray is clearly depicted in the faulty diagram of this wiki page
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Areal_velocity"
The diagram is clearly wrong for the fact that it does not include the chord within the areal sector and the only solution to this is using the velocity, and in general, all vectors as path dependent (in space or space-time)
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
hell! That's why the deltas are infinitesimal!
Thinking too much is taking a toll
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
5K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
4K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
4K
  • · Replies 42 ·
2
Replies
42
Views
8K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
5K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
  • · Replies 264 ·
9
Replies
264
Views
33K