How Does Velocity Change with Time in a Spiral Path?

Join the discussion
Ask a follow-up here, or get your own question answered by working scientists, mathematicians and engineers — people, not an autocomplete.
Real named experts · corrections over time · the nuance an AI answer skips
5 replies · 3K views
roam
Messages
1,265
Reaction score
12

Homework Statement



http://img534.imageshack.us/img534/6164/questionv.jpg

Homework Equations



ω = dθ/dt

v = dS/dt

The Attempt at a Solution



I used the second expression for the tangential speed:

[itex]v = \frac{dS}{dt} = r \frac{d \dot{\theta}}{d t} = (b-ct) \frac{d(kt)}{dt}[/itex]

[itex]\therefore \ v(t) = (b-ct) k[/itex]

So is this a correct expression for speed as a function of time? :confused:

So when r=0, the velocity would also be 0?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
in polar coordinates v2=(dr/dt)2+(rd[itex]\theta[/itex]/dt)2
 
roam said:
[itex]v = \frac{dS}{dt} = r \frac{d \dot{\theta}}{d t} = (b-ct) \frac{d(kt)}{dt}[/itex]
is it dimensionally correct?
 
I just substituted the rate of change of radial distance into the equation v = r.dθ/dt, and then I differentiated it. What's wrong with that? :confused:
 
I think it's dimensionally correct. Why? Did I use the wrong equations?
 
roam said:
I just substituted the rate of change of radial distance into the equation v = r.dθ/dt, and then I differentiated it. What's wrong with that? :confused:

In this case, I think this formula isn't correct.
So, [itex] \vec{r}=r\cos(\theta)\hat{x}+r\sin(\theta)\hat{y}<br /> \\<br /> \vec{v}=\frac{d\vec{r}}{dt}<br /> \\<br /> v_x=\frac{d(r\cos(\theta))}{dt}=\cos(\theta)\frac{dr}{dt}+r\frac{d(\cos\theta)}{dt}=\cos(\theta) \frac{dr}{dt}-r\sin\theta \frac{d\theta}{dt}<br /> \\<br /> v_y=\frac{d(r\sin(\theta))}{dt}=\sin(\theta)\frac{dr}{dt}+r\cos\theta\frac{d\theta}{dt}<br /> \\<br /> v^2=(v_x)^2+(v_y)^2=(\frac{dr}{dt})^2+(r\frac{d \theta}{dt})^2<br /> [/itex]