How Does Vector Dot Product Differentiation Relate to Scalar Functions?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the differentiation of the dot product of a vector, specifically the expression d( \vec {F}.\vec {F})/dt, and its relation to scalar functions. Participants are examining the implications of vector differentiation and the conditions under which certain equations hold true.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are questioning the validity of the original poster's equations and the assumptions regarding the directionality of the vectors involved. There is a focus on whether the vectors \vec{F} and d\vec{F}/dt can be considered parallel or perpendicular, and how this affects the differentiation results.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with various interpretations being explored. Some participants have offered clarifications regarding the relationships between the vectors and their derivatives, while others express confusion about the implications of the original equations. There is no explicit consensus, but productive dialogue is occurring.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the complexities of vector calculus and the implications of constant magnitude on vector derivatives. The discussion includes references to differential geometry and the properties of scalar products, indicating a deeper exploration of the mathematical principles at play.

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Homework Statement



d( \vec {F}.\vec {F})/dt=d(F*F)/dt=2*F*dF/dt (1)
d( \vec {F}.\vec {F})/dt=2* \vec{F}.d \vec{F}/dt (2)
so F*dF/dt=\vec{F}.d \vec{F}/dt (3)
??

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution

 
Last edited:
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Why would something be wrong in what you've written ?

Daniel.
 
Why would something be wrong in what you've written ?

Daniel.


do you mean it is right?
 
\vec{F} and d\vec{F}/dt are in the same direction?
 
What relevance does that have for your equation ?

Daniel.
 
but it really seems relevant
 
so which one do you think the relerance is weak?
(1) (2) (3)
 
I don't know what you mean, I told you that for your derivation, it doesn't matter that the 2 vectors are in the same direction or not. It's simply "irrelevant".

Daniel.
 
  • #10
enricfemi said:
\vec{F} and d\vec{F}/dt are in the same direction?

Why do you believe this?? :confused:
 
  • #11
[Why do you believe this??
Because of the the equation of (3)
it seems the angle between the two vector =0
 
  • #12
Why do you believe the rate of change of the magnitude of the vector F equals the magnitude of the vector that is the rate of change of the vector F??

That's totally wrong!
Here's why:
\vec{F}=|F|\vec{i}_{r}, \vec{i}_{r}\cdot\vec{i}_{r}=1
Therefore,
\frac{d\vec{F}}{dt}=\frac{d|F|}{dt}\vec{i}_{r}+|F|\frac{d\vec{i}_{r}}{dt}
Thus, if the unit vector \vec{i}_{r} changes with time, then your result doesn't hold.
 
  • #13
yeah,it must be wrong.
but i don'nt know in which equation,while they all obey the rules of vector.
and in (2):

d(\vec{F}.\vec{F})/dt=\vec{F}.d\vec{F}/dt+d\vec{F}/dt.\vec{F}
=2*\vec{F}.d\vec{F}/dt

tell me,please!
 
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  • #14
I already told you that all 3 equations are correct.

Daniel.
 
  • #15
\left |\frac{d\vec{F}}{dt} \right | \neq \frac{d|\vec{F}|}{dt}

F*\frac{dF}{dt}=|\vec{F}| \frac{d|\vec{F}|}{dt}=\vec{F}\cdot\frac{d\vec{F}}{dt}=|\vec{F}|\left |\frac{d\vec{F}}{dt} \right | \cos{\theta}

where \theta is the angle between \dot{\vec{F}} and \vec{F}
 
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  • #16
Hello,
i Think also that the vectors F and dF/dt are perpendicular if the square of the modulus do not change in time, i.e. something that in differential geometry can be interpretated as a mobile 2-D basis among a given curve a=a(t). And with the introduction of a third vector, let's call him n, perpendicular to both of them we have the so famous "Triedro di Frenet".
sorry for my bad english.

since the scalar product (,):VxV--->R is a bilinear form defined on a vector space and has value on the Real field numbers.

if we develop the calculus we obtain from a side:

\frac{d\vec{F}\vec{F}}{dt}=2 \vec{F}\frac{d\vec{F}}{dt}

but from the other side:

\vec{F}\vec{F}=|F|^{2}

and d/dt of this quantity is zero by hypothesis.

we can recognize de def. of perpendicularity of the two vec. F and dF/dt.

N.B.
i did'n use the dot for the scalar product
bye bye
Marco
 
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  • #17
i don't know what's going on with the tex compiler but i think everybody understood the meaning of my opinion.

bye

maRCO
 
  • #18
The inner product of any constant-magnitude vector and its time derivative is identically zero. That's not an opinion, its an identity. (Note that this alone disproves the OP's misconception.) That \vect F \cdot \frac {d\vect F}{dt} = F \frac {dF}{dt} is also an identity. That \vect F is parallel to \frac{d\vect F}{dt} is just plain wrong.
 
  • #19
Thank you!
I can understand this problem thoroughly now.
best wishes for the coming of Christmas
o:) o:) o:) o:) o:) o:) o:) o:) o:) o:) o:)
 

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