Equation for Solving v: Steps, Tips & Results | Did I Solve it Right?

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter ektrules
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on solving the equation for velocity (v) in a physics context, specifically using the formula \(\frac{mv^{2}}{r}=\frac{mg+C_{a}v^{2}cos\vartheta}{cos\vartheta-\mu sin\vartheta}\left(\mu cos\vartheta+sin\theta\right)-C_{a}v^{2}sin\vartheta\). The user derived the expression for v as \(v=\sqrt{\frac{mg\mu cos\vartheta+mg sin\vartheta}{-2\mu C_{a}cos\vartheta-2\mu C_{a}sin\vartheta+\frac{mcos\vartheta-\mu msin\vartheta}{r}}}\). A key insight is that solving for v does not necessitate knowledge of trigonometry; instead, it involves rearranging terms and isolating v² before taking the square root.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of algebraic manipulation
  • Familiarity with basic physics concepts, particularly forces and motion
  • Knowledge of the variables involved: mass (m), radius (r), drag coefficient (Ca), and friction coefficient (μ)
  • Basic understanding of trigonometric functions (sine and cosine)
NEXT STEPS
  • Review algebraic techniques for isolating variables in equations
  • Study the principles of forces in circular motion
  • Learn about the effects of drag and friction on moving objects
  • Explore trigonometric identities and their applications in physics problems
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in physics, engineering, and mathematics who are working on problems involving motion, forces, and the application of algebra in solving equations.

ektrules
Messages
35
Reaction score
0
Here's the equation.
\frac{mv^{2}}{r}=\frac{mg+C_{a}v^{2}cos\vartheta}{cos\vartheta-\mu sin\vartheta}\left(\mu cos\vartheta+sin\theta\right)-C_{a}v^{2}sin\vartheta
After trying to solve for v, I got this:
v=\sqrt{\frac{mg\mu cos\vartheta+mg sin\vartheta}{-2\mu C_{a}cos\vartheta-2\mu C_{a}sin\vartheta+\frac{mcos\vartheta-\mu msin\vartheta}{r}}}
I'm not sure if this is correct though. I never took trig, so all the sin's and cos's confuse me, and I'm not exactly sure how to perform algebra on them.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I haven't checked your result. However, solving for v doesn't require knowing trig. Just put all the v2 on one side of the equation, and put all the other terms on the other side. Then divide by the coefficient of v2 and take the square root.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
  • · Replies 36 ·
2
Replies
36
Views
5K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
1K
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
5K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
1K