How to Find Velocity in a Cycloidal Pendulum?

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    Pendulum Velocity
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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the velocity of a cycloidal pendulum, specifically using the equations of motion defined in terms of angular displacement. The original poster is attempting to derive the Lagrangian by first determining the kinetic energy, which requires the velocity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster initially considers the relationship between position and velocity, questioning the method of finding velocity through derivatives. Some participants suggest breaking down the velocity into its x and y components and using these to find the squared velocity.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging in clarifying the approach to finding velocity. There is a recognition of the need to consider the components of velocity as vectors, and some guidance has been provided on how to correctly derive the squared velocity from these components. The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different interpretations of the problem.

Contextual Notes

There is an emphasis on correctly applying derivatives with respect to time and understanding the vector nature of velocity. The original poster's confusion regarding their calculations indicates a need for further clarification on the mathematical relationships involved.

Paradoxx
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Homework Statement


Cycloidal Pendulum, with x= RΘ+RsinΘ and y = -RcosΘ
I need to find the Lagragian.


Homework Equations



L = T - V

The Attempt at a Solution



I just want to know how do I find the velocity so I can find T, which is 1/2 mv². I thought it would be dx/dΘ but it didn't work. Can anyone explain to me how can I find the velocity?
 
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Remember that velocity is the derivative of position with respect to time and is a vector. What are its x and y components? Could you use these components to find ##v^2##?
 
Ok, I realized that I must consider x and y and derivative in relation with time.

v = dx/dt + dy/dt

then v² would be (dx/dt + dy/dt)².

I did the derivatives:

x'= RΘ' + Rcos(Θ)Θ' and y' = Rsin(Θ)Θ',

so x+y = RΘ' + RΘ' (cosΘ + sinΘ)

Also, v² = ( RΘ' + RΘ' (cosΘ + sinΘ))² = (4R²Θ'² + R²Θ'²cos²Θsin²Θ)
But in my answer it is

4R²Θ²cos²(Θ/2)

What am I doing wrong?
 
Last edited:
Paradoxx said:
Ok, I realized that I must consider x and y and derivative in relation with time.

v = dx/dt + dy/dt

then v² would be (dx/dt + dy/dt)².

I did the derivatives:

x'= RΘ' + Rcos(Θ)Θ' and y' = Rsin(Θ)Θ',

so x+y = RΘ' + RΘ' (cosΘ + sinΘ)

Also, v² = ( RΘ' + RΘ' (cosΘ + sinΘ))² = (4R²Θ'² + R²Θ'²cos²Θsin²Θ)
But in my answer it is

4R²Θ²cos²(Θ/2)

What am I doing wrong?

##v=\frac{dx}{dt}+\frac{dy}{dt}## is wrong. Remember that ##\vec{v}## is a vector! What is the x-component of ##\vec{v}##? What is the y-component of ##\vec{v}##? After you have the components, you can find ##v^2## by squaring the components and adding them, right?
 
Ohhh, you are right! It worked now, thank you very much!
 

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