Does a Time-Dependent Vector Rotate Around a Fixed Vector?

[Niles]

Hi all

Say I have a time-dependent vector v. Let's say that I find

<br /> \frac{d}{dt}\br{v} = \br{q}\times v \perp \br{v},<br />

where q is a vector. Am I allowed to conclude that the vector v rotates around q as time evolves?

 

[Niles]

Oh, I realized it now. It becomes clear when you make a drawing that the vector v really does rotate (precess) around q as time evolves.

Thanks.