How Does Hartle Derive the Equation from Arc Length to a Trigonometric Integral?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the derivation of an equation related to arc length and its transformation into a trigonometric integral as presented in Hartle's work. Participants explore the mathematical steps involved in this derivation, including differentiation and integration techniques, while addressing specific equations referenced in the text.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about the transition from equation 20.10b to 20.10c, specifically regarding the arc length equation.
  • Another participant suggests computing dy/dx and substituting it into equation 2.10.b to derive 2.10.c, indicating it is a straightforward calculation.
  • A participant seeks clarification on what to compute dy/dx of, leading to a discussion about differentiating the equation x^2 + y^2 = R^2.
  • One participant provides the derivative dy/dx = -x/y as part of the discussion.
  • Questions arise about the limits of integration being -1 and 1, with one participant suggesting that a change of variable to a dimensionless form explains this choice.
  • Another participant expresses uncertainty about how the integral results in Pi, indicating a gap in their understanding of the integral's properties.
  • A later response suggests that the integral is a standard result from calculus, relating it to the circumference of a unit semi-circle.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on all points, particularly regarding the understanding of the integral's evaluation and the reasoning behind the limits of integration. Multiple viewpoints and uncertainties are present throughout the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Some participants indicate limitations in their knowledge of calculus, particularly regarding integration techniques and the properties of trigonometric integrals. There is also a mention of the need for further review of classical mechanics.

Nano-Passion
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Please click the attached image.

I have no idea how eq 20.10b to eq 20.10c.

Hartle goes from the equation for the arc length to [tex]\sqrt{\frac{R^2}{R^2-x^2}}[/tex]
 

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compute dy/dx and plug into 2.10.b. It leads directly to 2.10c. I certainly couldn't see it by eye - but it is a pretty small calculation.
 
Last edited:
PAllen said:
compute dy/dx and plug into 2.10.b. It leads directly to 2.10. I certainly couldn't see it by eye - but it is a pretty small calculation.

Sorry, I'm not able to read between the line here. What do you mean by compute dy/dx? Compute dy/dx of what?
 
Nano-Passion said:
Sorry, I'm not able to read between the line here. What do you mean by compute dy/dx? Compute dy/dx of what?

You have x^2+y^2=R^2. Solve for y and take dy/dx. Plug this into where dy/dx is in 2.10.b. You can then simplify to 2.10.c.
 
d(x2 + y2) = 2xdx + 2ydy = dR2 = 0

dy/dx = -x/y
 
PAllen said:
You have x^2+y^2=R^2. Solve for y and take dy/dx. Plug this into where dy/dx is in 2.10.b. You can then simplify to 2.10.c.

Oh, alright thanks. ^.^
 
One more question, do you know how he got -1, 1 as the limits of integration? It looks as if he pulled that number randomly.
 
Nano-Passion said:
One more question, do you know how he got -1, 1 as the limits of integration? It looks as if he pulled that number randomly.

A change of integration variable was made such that the new integration variable is dimensionless, i.e., [itex]\xi = x/R[/itex].
 
George Jones said:
A change of integration variable was made such that the new integration variable is dimensionless, i.e., [itex]\xi = x/R[/itex].

Okay, I also don't know how that integral will give you Pi. Something is missing in my knowledge-base.
 
  • #10
Nano-Passion said:
Okay, I also don't know how that integral will give you Pi. Something is missing in my knowledge-base.

That integral should be covered in any first course in calculus; or looked up in even the smallest table of integrals; or recognize that it is the circumference of a unit semi-circle. If you're reading this book, you should have calculus book, and can review integration of trigonometric forms.
 
  • #11
PAllen said:
That integral should be covered in any first course in calculus; or looked up in even the smallest table of integrals; or recognize that it is the circumference of a unit semi-circle. If you're reading this book, you should have calculus book, and can review integration of trigonometric forms.

Thank you, I should have realized that. What I also should have done is just evaluated the integral to see that it equals pi.

I suppose I should jump back to classical mechanics, I need to test out of classical mechanics I anyways. I'll come back to this book later.
 

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