Deriving angular velocity vector algebra?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around deriving relationships between angular velocity and linear velocity using vector algebra, specifically focusing on the equations \( w = r \times v \) and \( v = w \times r \). Participants explore the implications of these equations, including orthogonality conditions and the use of the right-hand rule.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant begins with the equation \( w = r \times v \) and seeks to derive \( v = w \times r \), questioning the assumptions made in the derivation.
  • Another participant asserts that the initial assumption is incorrect, noting that \( w \) must be orthogonal to both \( r \) and \( v \) by definition, and challenges the assumption of orthogonality between \( r \) and \( v \).
  • A different participant introduces the concept of tangential velocity \( v_t \) and provides a relationship \( w = v_t / r \), suggesting a different approach to the problem.
  • Another contribution states that \( w \times r = v_t \) is valid, emphasizing the orthogonality of the vectors involved and referencing the right-hand rule for cross products.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express disagreement regarding the assumptions of orthogonality and the validity of the derived equations. There is no consensus on the correct approach or assumptions necessary for the derivation.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the need for careful consideration of vector relationships and orthogonality, indicating that assumptions about the angles between vectors may affect the validity of the derived equations.

SpartanG345
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where x represents cross product

currently if i forget i figure these out using the right hand rule, but how do you get each equation visa versa using vector algebra

i started with w = rxv

how do you derive that v = wxr

i got up to this

w = rxv
w= -(vxr)
rxw = -rx(vxr)
rxw = v(r.r) - r(r.v)
rxw= v -r(r.v)

but can u assume r.v are perpendicular?
is this the right approach? and you even relate the 2 equations this way??
 
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This is not true in general.

We know that w=rxv mus be orthogonal to both r and v by definition.

If v=wxr, then v would be orthogonal to both w and r. We know v is orthogonal to w by hypothesis, but v is not necessarily orthogonal to r.

Bottom line, you would have to assume orthogonality of r and v to make any kind of assertion like this.
 
You were wrong from the start I'm afraid.

For v_t is tangential velocity (theta_hat component)

w=v_t/r
v_t=|v_t|=|rhat x v|
sometimes but not always more useful:
rhat=r/r and
v_t=|(r/r) x v|
in vector form then:
w= (rhat/r) x v=(r/r^2) x v

then
wr= rhat x v

in absolute value this is:
wr=v_t

Of course in absolute value you could have just skipped all the vector stuff,
so presumably it is the vector result that you are interested in.
 
Last edited:
BTW it is true that:
wxr=v_t
where v_t=v_t theta_that=rhatxv

Since all three are now orthogonal , proof of that comes from unit vector cross product rules, basically the right hand rule anyway, except it will work for a right or left handed rule since w depends in the first place on which rule you're using. That's why if one side of an equal is an axial vector, the other side also should also , and also why, as in the case here, an axial vector crossed with a vector, is a vector. The result of that cross product doesn't depend on the rule.
 

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