Find the pebble's position, velocity, and acceleration

In summary, a tire moves in a straight line without slipping at a constant speed V. A small pebble lodged in the rear of the tire touches the road at t = 0. To find the pebble's position, velocity, and acceleration as functions of time, we can use the equations v = V + Vtω and a = -Vtω^2 + 2Vω. However, since the center of the tire keeps moving, we need to use cartesian coordinates x = rcosθ and y = rsinθ. To find the position as a function of time, we can integrate the velocity.
  • #1
tronter
185
1
A tire rolls in a straight line without slipping. Its center moves with constant speed [tex] V [/tex]. A small pebble lodged in the read of the tire touches the road at [tex] t = 0 [/tex]. Find the pebble's position, velocity, and acceleration as functions of time.

So [tex] \bold{v} = \dot{r} \bold{\hat{r}} + r \theta \bold{\hat{\theta}} [/tex].

Would it just be [tex] \bold{v} = V \bold{\hat{r}} + Vt \omega \bold{\hat{\theta}} [/tex] and [tex] \bold{a} = -Vt \omega^{2} \bold{\hat{r}} + 2V \omega \bold{\hat{\theta}} [/tex]?

Then to find the position as a function of time, integrate the velocity?

Thanks
 
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  • #2
You need to do this in cartesian coords, because the center keeps moving.
 
  • #3
So use the transformations [tex] x = r \cos \theta [/tex], [tex] y = r \sin \theta [/tex]?
 
  • #4
I had to do a problem similar to this, and I still don't understand it...
 

Related to Find the pebble's position, velocity, and acceleration

1. What is the purpose of finding a pebble's position, velocity, and acceleration?

The purpose of finding a pebble's position, velocity, and acceleration is to understand its motion and how it changes over time. This information can be used to study the pebble's behavior and make predictions about its future motion.

2. How do you determine a pebble's position?

A pebble's position can be determined by measuring its distance from a fixed point or by using coordinates in a coordinate system. This can be done using tools such as a ruler, GPS, or mathematical equations.

3. What factors can affect a pebble's velocity?

A pebble's velocity can be affected by factors such as the force acting on it, its mass, and any external forces such as friction or air resistance. Changes in these factors can result in changes in the pebble's velocity.

4. How is acceleration calculated for a pebble?

Acceleration is calculated by dividing the change in velocity by the change in time. This can be represented by the equation a = (vf - vi) / t, where a is acceleration, vf is final velocity, vi is initial velocity, and t is time.

5. What are some real-world applications of analyzing a pebble's position, velocity, and acceleration?

Analyzing a pebble's position, velocity, and acceleration can have various real-world applications. For example, it can be used in sports to improve performance, in engineering to design and test structures, and in physics to study the laws of motion. It can also have practical applications in everyday life, such as predicting the motion of objects in traffic or predicting the path of a ball in a game.

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