Hi, how to find the magnitude of a rotating vector?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on deriving the magnitude of a rotating vector, specifically the relationship |dA/dt| = A(dθ/dt). The participants clarify that a vector in rectangular coordinates is expressed as &vec;v = v_x&hat;i + v_y&hat;j, with its magnitude given by |&vec;v| = v = √(v_x² + v_y²). The correct differentiation process involves applying the chain rule to account for the angle θ as a function of time, ultimately leading to the conclusion that |dA/dt| = v(dθ/dt).

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rashida564
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i get stuck in how to find the magnitude of rotating vector . why say that |dA/dt|=A(dθ/dt) but who we can derive it or interpret this fact
 
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Start from the definitions.
 
the rotating vector have a constant magnitude but it change it's angle by the time
 
OK. So write that out mathematically.
 
write the definition mathematically
 
Do you not know how to write down the equation for a rotating vector?
A vector in rectangular coordinates is written: ##\vec v = v_x\hat\imath + v_y\hat\jmath##
The magnitude of that vector is ##|\vec v| = v = \sqrt{v_x^2+v_y^2}##

If the vector makes angle ##\theta## to the x-axis, then:
##v_x=v\cos\theta,\; v_y=v\sin\theta##
If the vector rotates, then ##\theta## is a function of time.

From there, and the definition of the derivative, you can derive and interpret the relation yourself.
So here is your task: prove ##\big|\frac{d}{dt} \vec v(t) \big| = v\frac{d}{dt}\theta(t)##
 
Last edited:
let v=r
dr/dt = lim Δt→0 Δr/Δt
Δr=2rsin(θ/2)
Δr≈rθ
dr/dt=lim Δt→0 Δrθ/Δt
|dt/dt| = r(dθ/dt)
is it correct
 
No. dt/dt = 1, your delta-r is a non sequitur... basically, what you wrote is nonsense.
It looks like you need to revise your notes about writing vectors.
 
i saw the explanation from Kleppner and Kolenkow book
 
  • #10
What explanation?
Reread post #6. If you will not take advise I cannot help you.
Do you know how to write a vector?
 
Last edited:
  • #11
a vector in rectangular coordinates system is written by it's x and y component
then we should write the vector as vcos(θ)i+vsin(θ) j
 
  • #12
Well done... so write that out, A= or whatever letter you wsnt to use for a vector.
Then differentiate both sides with respect to time ... you will need the chain rule because ##\theta## is a function of time.
 
  • #13
dA/dt=-sin(θ)dθ/dt i +vcos(θ)dθ/dt j
 
  • #14
rashida564 said:
dA/dt=-sin(θ)dθ/dt i +vcos(θ)dθ/dt j
You forgot the v in front of sin(θ). Now figure out what angle there is between A and dA/dt .
 
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  • #15
Don't worry about the angle... it's a shortcut but you don't need to figure that out.
Your next step is to find the magnitude. Don't forget that |A| = v
Find the expression for |dA/dt| and simplify.
 
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  • #16
now i get it
|V|= √((-vsin(θ)dθ/dt)^2+(vcos(θ)dθ/dt)^2)
|V|=vdθ/dt*√(sin^2(θ)+cos^2(θ))
|V|=vdθ/dt
 
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  • #17
Well done.
Sometimes you have to just go through the steps without knowing for sure where you will end up.
Of course I could just have told you ... but then you'd have missed out on that "ahah" moment.
 
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  • #18
thank you
 

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