How Do Position Vectors Differ in Inertial and Rotating Frames?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the differences between position vectors in inertial and rotating frames, specifically in the context of forces acting on charged particles. The key equation presented is Frotating = Finertial + Fcor + Fcf, where the inertial force is defined as F = -qv x b - kQq/r². The confusion arises from the use of the position vector 'r' in both inertial and rotating frames, with the clarification that while the velocity 'v' in the magnetic force equation must be derived from the inertial frame, the magnitude of 'r' remains consistent across both frames. This understanding resolves the issue of using a single 'r' for all terms in the equations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of classical mechanics, particularly Newton's laws of motion.
  • Familiarity with electromagnetic theory, specifically the Lorentz force law.
  • Knowledge of rotational dynamics, including Coriolis and centrifugal forces.
  • Basic calculus, particularly differentiation and vector calculus.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the Lorentz force law in both inertial and rotating frames.
  • Learn about the mathematical formulation of Coriolis and centrifugal forces in rotating systems.
  • Explore the relationship between position vectors in inertial and rotating frames using transformation equations.
  • Investigate practical applications of these concepts in fields such as astrophysics and engineering dynamics.
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, particularly those studying classical mechanics and electromagnetism, as well as professionals in fields requiring an understanding of forces in rotating systems.

aftershock
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Homework Statement



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Homework Equations



Frotating = Finertial + Fcor + Fcf

The Attempt at a Solution



For the inertial field: F = -qv x b -kQq/r2

For the rotating field it would be the same term plus the coriolis and centrifugal forces.

The issue I'm having trouble with is this:

The v in qv x b has to be the derivative of the position vector drawn from the inertial field right? But the position vector and its derivatives in the coriolis and centrifugal force formulas are drawn from the rotating frame right? So I can't just use one r for all the terms.

But in the solution http://www.physics.umd.edu/courses/Phys410/gates/Phys410_Solution_06.pdf it looks like that's exactly what was done... just one r?

I can't make sense of this, can anyone shed some light on it?
 
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aftershock said:
For the inertial field: F = -qv x b -kQq/r2

For the rotating field it would be the same term plus the coriolis and centrifugal forces.

The issue I'm having trouble with is this:

The v in qv x b has to be the derivative of the position vector drawn from the inertial field right? But the position vector and its derivatives in the coriolis and centrifugal force formulas are drawn from the rotating frame right? So I can't just use one r for all the terms.

Right, the v in the magnetic force qv x B is the rate of change of the position vector relative to the inertial frame. However, you can express the rate of change of the position in the inertial frame in terms of the rate of change of the position in the rotating frame and in terms of [itex]\Omega[/itex]. But note that the magnitude of the position vector, r, is the same in both frames. So, you don't need to worry about the r in the Coulomb force.
 

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