Determining the velocity function

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the velocity function from given parametric equations in polar coordinates, specifically with the equations ##r(t) = ae^{kt}## and ##\theta(t) = kt##. The original poster is attempting to derive the velocity function that depends on ##r##.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to differentiate the position function to find the velocity, but questions arise regarding the correctness of their equations and the need for unit vectors in the context of polar coordinates. Some participants suggest that the position vector should be expressed in terms of unit vectors, leading to a discussion about the implications of this approach on the velocity vector.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different interpretations of the equations and the necessity of incorporating unit vectors. There is a divergence in understanding the setup, and while some guidance has been offered regarding the expression of the position vector, no consensus has been reached on the correct formulation of the velocity function.

Contextual Notes

Participants are addressing potential misunderstandings related to the representation of polar coordinates and the differentiation process. The original poster's equations are being scrutinized for accuracy, and the need for clarity in the use of vectors is emphasized.

doktorwho
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Homework Statement


Given the ## r(t) = ae^{kt}## , ##θ(t)=kt## find the velocity function that is dependent on ##r##.
##v(r)=?##

Homework Equations


3. The Attempt at a Solution [/B]
My attempt:
1)##r(t) = ae^{kt}##
2)##{\dot r(t)} = ake^{kt}##
From the first equation:
##\ln {\frac{r(t)}{a}}=\ln e^{kt}##
##\ln {\frac{r(t)}{a}}=kt##
##t=\frac{\ln {\frac{r(t)}{a}}}{k}##
Replacing the ##t## in the second equation i get:
##{\dot r}=akr##
Shouldn't this be the answer? In the answers it says ##{\dot r}=\sqrt2r##?
 
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Your original equations are incorrect. ##\theta## is not a vectorl where are your unit vetors i these equations?
 
Chestermiller said:
Your original equations are incorrect. ##\theta## is not a vectorl where are your unit vetors i these equations?
Yeah, no vectors, just the parametric equations of motion given. So what's wrong now?
 
doktorwho said:
Yeah, no vectors, just the parametric equations of motion given. So what's wrong now?
If you are going to determine the velocity vector, you need to start out by expressing the position vector as ##\vec{r}=r\vec{i}_r(\theta)## and taking into account the fact that ##\vec{i}_r## is a function of ##\theta##, that ##\theta## is a function of time, and that derivative of ##\vec{i}_r## with respect to ##\theta## can be expressed in terms of ##\vec{i}_{\theta}##.
 
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Chestermiller said:
If you are going to determine the velocity vector, you need to start out by expressing the position vector as ##\vec{r}=r\vec{i}_r(\theta)## and taking into account the fact that ##\vec{i}_r## is a function of ##\theta##, that ##\theta## is a function of time, and that derivative of ##\vec{i}_r## with respect to ##\theta## can be expressed in terms of ##\vec{i}_{\theta}##.
So the polar coordinate,
##\vec r(t)=ae^{kt}\vec e_r##
##θ=kt##
##\vec v(t)=\dot r\vec e_r + r\dot θ\vec e_θ##
##\vec v(t)=ake^{kt}\vec e_r + ae^{kt}k\vec e_θ##
##v(r)=\sqrt2r##
This should be it.
 

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