How Does Velocity Change with Time in a Spiral Path?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationship between velocity and time for an object moving in a spiral path, specifically using polar coordinates. Participants are examining the expressions for tangential speed and the implications of radial distance on velocity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to derive expressions for velocity as a function of time, questioning the correctness of their dimensional analysis and the equations used. There are discussions about substituting the rate of change of radial distance into the velocity equations and differentiating them.

Discussion Status

The conversation is active, with participants providing different approaches to the problem and questioning the validity of their methods. Some express uncertainty about the dimensional correctness of their equations, while others challenge the assumptions made in their derivations.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of confusion regarding the application of polar coordinates and the relationships between radial and angular components of motion. Participants are also considering the implications of setting radial distance to zero on the velocity.

roam
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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:

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

\therefore \ v(t) = (b-ct) k

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:
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in polar coordinates v2=(dr/dt)2+(rd\theta/dt)2
 
roam said:
v = \frac{dS}{dt} = r \frac{d \dot{\theta}}{d t} = (b-ct) \frac{d(kt)}{dt}
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, <br /> \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 /> <br />
 

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