Dynamics of a point mass in circular motion

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a point mass moving in circular motion on a defined circular plane, with forces acting on it described by differential equations. The goal is to find the velocities at specific points given an initial velocity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between the angle φ and time, questioning the assumption of a constant rate of increase. They explore the concept of conservative forces and potential energy, and clarify the setup regarding the particle's motion on the circle.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing insights into the nature of the forces involved and the assumptions about motion. Some guidance has been offered regarding the need to verify if the forces are conservative, and there is an exploration of the implications of the setup.

Contextual Notes

There is a lack of clarity regarding the nature of the forces acting on the mass and whether the motion is constrained to the circular path without friction. Participants are also considering the implications of the given equations and their relationship to the physical scenario described.

Krzysiek Sam

Homework Statement


Dear All,

I'm having a hard time solving the following problem:
upload_2017-8-19_16-42-8.png

A point of mass is moving on a circular plane (Oxy), where the circle's formula is:
upload_2017-8-19_16-42-28.png


The force acting on mass "m" is defined as:
upload_2017-8-19_16-43-7.png


We're looking for velocity of point "m" in position (1,1) =V1, and in position (0,2)=V2, given the velocity in position (0,0)=V0.

Homework Equations


(as above)

The Attempt at a Solution


m*x''=-k*x*y2
m*y''=-k*y*x2

x = r*cos(φ)
y=1+r*sin(φ)

φ = ω*t
x'= -r*ω*sin(ωt)
x''= -r*ω2*cos(ωt)

y'= r*ω*cos(ωt)
y''= -r*ω2*sin(ωt)

This leads me to a second order differential equation which I'm not able to solve.

----------------
Thank you in advance for any help!
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
Hello, and welcome to PF!
Krzysiek Sam said:
φ = ω*t
Why would ##\phi## increase proportionally to time?

Another approach: Are you familiar with the concept of a "conservative force" and the potential energy associated with a conservative force?

EDIT: I'm not completely clear on the setup of the problem. Is the particle confined to move on the circle? Can we think of it as a bead sliding on a circular wire with no friction, but with an applied force as given?
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Krzysiek Sam
TSny said:
Hello, and welcome to PF!
Why would ##\phi## increase proportionally to time?

Another approach: Are you familiar with the concept of a "conservative force" and the potential energy associated with a conservative force?

EDIT: I'm not completely clear on the setup of the problem. Is the particle confined to move on the circle? Can we think of it as a bead sliding on a circular wire with no friction, but with an applied force as given?
Hello,
1. phi increases, as m moves around the circle, phi[rad] = omega[rad/s]*t

2. how would you approach this with respect to conservative force?

3. yes, it's confined to move on the edge of the circle with radius r=1, yes the problem considers no friction, only forces Fx and Fy.

Thanks in advance for your help.
KS
 
Krzysiek Sam said:
1. phi increases, as m moves around the circle, phi[rad] = omega[rad/s]*t
Yes, ##\phi## increases as the mass moves around the circle. But, ##\phi## doesn't necessarily increase at a constant rate. So, you cannot assume ##\phi = \omega t## for some constant ##\omega##.

2. how would you approach this with respect to conservative force?
First, I would check to see if the given force is conservative. Have you learned how to do that?
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Krzysiek Sam
TSny said:
Yes, ##\phi## increases as the mass moves around the circle. But, ##\phi## doesn't necessarily increase at a constant rate. So, you cannot assume ##\phi = \omega t## for some constant ##\omega##.

First, I would check to see if the given force is conservative. Have you learned how to do that?

Yes, this is the right approach, thank you for your suggestion!
Have a nice day!
 

Similar threads

Replies
5
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
5K
Replies
1
Views
916
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
16
Views
2K