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

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the derivation of the formula v = wr, where v represents tangential velocity, w represents rotational velocity, and r is the radius vector. Participants explore the relationships between these quantities in vector terms, including the use of cross products and the implications of vector properties.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks clarification on their derivation of v = wr, expressing confusion over their conclusion that w = rv, v = wr, and r = vw, questioning the validity of these equalities.
  • Another participant suggests using the definition of a radian and differentiating the equation s = rθ with respect to time to derive the desired result.
  • Some participants note that angular velocity ω is typically treated as a scalar, and the magnitude of the radial velocity is expressed as v = ωr, which they argue is more aligned with tangential velocity.
  • Concerns are raised about the validity of the relationships w = r x v, v = w x r, and r = v x w, particularly regarding the conditions under which these vector equations hold true.
  • Several participants discuss the implications of the non-commutative nature of the cross product, questioning how this affects the validity of the derived equations.
  • One participant emphasizes that the relationships derived from the image are only valid if the vectors are unit vectors, prompting further inquiry into the conditions necessary for these equations to hold.
  • Another participant challenges the assumption that three perpendicular vectors necessarily represent the operands and result of a vector product, suggesting that the lengths of the vectors must also be considered.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the validity of the vector relationships and the conditions under which they apply. There is no consensus on the correct approach to derive the formula v = wr, and multiple competing interpretations of the relationships between the vectors are present.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the potential misunderstanding of vector properties, the dependence on the definitions of angular and tangential velocities, and the unresolved nature of the mathematical steps involved in the derivation.

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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