The discussion focuses on plotting the displacement-time graph of an arm rotating around an origin at a constant radius. The correct approach involves plotting the x-coordinate as a function of time using the equation R*cos(ωt) and the y-coordinate using R*sin(ωt), where R is the radius and ω is the angular velocity. It is emphasized that displacement is a vector quantity, which includes both x and y components, while the distance from the origin remains constant but the orientation changes. The conversation also touches on the alternative method of plotting the angle as a function of time, represented by φ = ωt.
PREREQUISITESStudents of physics, educators teaching circular motion concepts, and anyone interested in understanding the graphical representation of rotational dynamics.
Note that this is not correct: displacement is a vector with an x-coordinate and a y-coordinate in your case. The distance from the origin (the length of the vector) is constant, but not the orientation. In fact you could also plot your arm motion by plotting the angle as a function of time, something like ##\phi = \omega t## -- so pretty boring...SirJuantum said:
BvU said:Hello Sir J,
You plot the x-coordinate as a function of time, and you plot the y-coordinate as a function of time !
If it starts at ##(x,y) = (R,0)## and turns counter-clockwise, the one is ##R\cos\omega t## and the other is ##R\sin\omega t##
[edit] I hope this animation doesn't confuse you too much ... ? Or this
[edit]
Note that this is not correct: displacement is a vector with an x-coordinate and a y-coordinate in your case. The distance from the origin (the length of the vector) is constant, but not the orientation. In fact you could also plot your arm motion by plotting the angle as a function of time, something like ##\phi = \omega t## -- so pretty boring...