Finding the position on a circle.

  • Thread starter Thread starter astrololo
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Circle Position
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The problem involves determining the position of a runner moving at a constant speed on a circular path in the xy-plane, with a specified radius and speed vector. The context is centered around vector notation and the relationship between speed and position on a circle.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the need to clarify the distinction between speed and position, with some suggesting that understanding the magnitude of the speed vector is necessary for finding the position. Questions arise about the meaning of vector components i and j.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants seeking to clarify definitions and relationships between speed and position. There is an emphasis on the need for visual representation to aid understanding, but no consensus has been reached on the next steps.

Contextual Notes

Participants express confusion regarding the representation of vector components and the relationship between speed and position, indicating a need for clearer definitions and possibly a diagram to illustrate the problem.

astrololo
Messages
200
Reaction score
3

Homework Statement



Someone runs on a circle in the direction of a clock. He goes at constant speed. The circle is put in a xy plane that is centered at the origin. The radius is 10 m. At a certain moment he has a speed of (3i + 3j) m/s. Determine the position at this moment. (in vectorial notation)

Homework Equations


a^2+b^2=c^2

The Attempt at a Solution



3^2 + 3^2 = 18
4.24
Square root ( 18) = 4.24 m/sLast question for tonight, I promise.[/B]
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The question asks for a position and you have specified a speed as your answer.
 
phinds said:
The question asks for a position and you have specified a speed as your answer.
Yeah, but we need to find the length of the vector of the speed to be able to find the position, no ?
 
What do i and j represent?
 
phinds said:
What do i and j represent?
Oh, IM really sorry. i and j are vectorial units.
 
astrololo said:
Oh, IM really sorry. i and j are vectorial units.
units of what? What I'm trying to get here is for you to specify more clearly just what it is that you know. You really should draw a picture.
 
It's m/s
 
astrololo said:
It's m/s
We're really getting nowwhere here. Draw a picture showing what you know and what you are tying to find out.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
5K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
7K
Replies
20
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
10K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K