How Do You Calculate the Wavelength of Particle Motion in Parametric Equations?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the wavelength of particle motion described by two parametric equations for speed in a plane. The equations involve trigonometric functions and a parameter denoted as Omega, which is stated to relate to the period of the motion.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between the period and angular velocity, questioning the definition of Omega in the context of the problem. There is also discussion about the validity of the proposed wavelength formula and its time invariance.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively questioning the definitions and assumptions regarding Omega, with some suggesting that it may not represent the period as initially thought. The discussion remains open with various interpretations being explored.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of potential confusion regarding the dimensionality of the arguments in the trigonometric functions and whether the problem is sourced from a textbook or an instructor.

Logarythmic
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I have two parametric equations for the speed of a particle in a plane:

[tex]\dot{x}(t) = A \left( 1 - cos{\Omega t} \right)[/tex]
[tex]\dot{y}(t) = A sin{\Omega t}[/tex]

The period is equal to [itex]\Omega[/itex]. How do I find the wavelength of the motion?


The wavelength is just [itex]\lambda = \Omega v[/itex], where [itex]v = \sqrt{\dot{x}^2 + \dot{y}^2}[/itex] is the speed, right? But then the wavelength is not time invariant. Could my answer

[tex]\lambda = \Omega A \left( 2 - 2cos{\Omega t} \right)^{1/2}[/tex]

really be correct?
 
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Here omega is not the period, but the angular velocity = 2pi/T where T is the period.
 
I thought about that too, but it's stated in the problem that the motion is periodic with period [itex]\Omega[/itex]. Anyway, my question still remains.
 
Logarythmic said:
I thought about that too, but it's stated in the problem that the motion is periodic with period [itex]\Omega[/itex]. Anyway, my question still remains.
Is this problem in a textbook, or was it given by a professor or teacher?

[itex]\Omega[/itex] as a period would seem to be incorrect since normally the arguments of sine and cosine are dimensionless, which is consistent with rl.bhat's comment.
 

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