How Is the Formula v=wr Derived in Vector Terms?

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The discussion centers on deriving the formula v = wr, where v represents tangential velocity, w is rotational velocity, and r is the radius vector. Participants clarify that the angular velocity ω is typically a scalar, and the correct relationship for tangential velocity is v = ωr. The confusion arises from misapplying vector relationships and the properties of the cross product, which does not commute, leading to incorrect conclusions about the vectors' relationships. Additionally, the importance of understanding the magnitudes and directions of these vectors is emphasized, as simply being perpendicular does not validate the derived equations. The conversation highlights the need for careful application of vector mathematics in deriving motion equations.
Chemist@
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How to derive the formula:
v=wr
where v is the tangential velocity, w is the rotational velocity, and r i the radius vector?

From the attached image, it can be concluded that (each quantity is a vector): w=r x v, also v=w x r, and r= v x w. All three vectors are perpendicular to each other, therefore the intensity of each vector can be calculated by vector multiplication. Then (each quantity is a vector modulus):
w=rv, v=wr, r=vw, this system of equations is true if w=v=r which mustn't be true. I need an explanation. What did I wrong to arrive at this incorrect equality?
 

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Look at the image below:
circle_arc.png


By definition of a radian(unit of angle), we can write s= r \theta(where \theta is in radians). Now, assuming a fixed radius, differentiation of the equation w.r.t. time will give you the desired result.
 
Chemist@ said:
How to derive the formula:
v=wr
where v is the tangential velocity, w is the rotational velocity, and r i the radius vector?

From the attached image, it can be concluded that (each quantity is a vector): w=r x v, also v=w x r, and r= v x w. All three vectors are perpendicular to each other, therefore the intensity of each vector can be calculated by vector multiplication. Then (each quantity is a vector modulus):
w=rv, v=wr, r=vw, this system of equations is true if w=v=r which mustn't be true. I need an explanation. What did I wrong to arrive at this incorrect equality?

The angular velocity ω is usually a scalar, rather than a vector quantity. The magnitude of the radial velocity is given as v = ω r, where r is the magnitude of the radius vector.

For a derivation of the radial velocity vector, see this article:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circular_motion

and note the difference between ω and the vector Ω.

You should also be aware that the cross product does not commute, so that all of these statements may not be valid simultaneously:

w=r x v, v=w x r, r= v x w.
 
Okay, but I want to derive it the way I previously posted, but it brings me nowhere and I want to make myself clear what was wrong.
The cross product does not commute, but how does that explain anything?
 
Chemist@ said:
From the attached image, it can be concluded that (each quantity is a vector): w=r x v, also v=w x r, and r= v x w.
How did you conclude that from the image? It's only true if they are all unit vectors
 
I think that you have the answer, but please explain it. How is it true only then?
 
Chemist@ said:
I think that you have the answer, but please explain it.
You have to explain how you concluded all that from your picture.
 
I wrote it. w=r x v, also v=w x r, and r= v x w from the picture. For example r x v gives the vector w. I got all by calculating the vector product:
<r x v>=<w>=rv*sin(pi/2)=rv. The same way I got that v=wr, r=vw.
 
  • #10
Chemist@ said:
I wrote it. w=r x v, also v=w x r, and r= v x w from the picture. For example r x v gives the vector w. I got all by calculating the vector product:
<r x v>=<w>=rv*sin(pi/2)=rv. The same way I got that v=wr, r=vw.
Your picture only shows three vectors perpendicular to each other. It doesn't tell you what the lengths of the vectors are. The correct equations should be<br /> \textbf{v} = \boldsymbol{\omega} \times \textbf{r}; \;<br /> \boldsymbol{\omega} = \frac{\textbf{r} \times \textbf{v}}{r^2}<br />
 
  • #11
How did you get that w=rxv/r^2?
 
  • #12
Chemist@ said:
w=r x v, also v=w x r, and r= v x w from the picture.
None of this follows from the picture. Just because 3 vectors are perpendicular, doesn't mean they necessarily represent the operands and result of a vector product.
 
  • #13
Chemist@ said:
How did you get that w=rxv/r^2?
See, for example, angular velocity, or any textbook on the subject.
 

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