- #1
Heyhay
- 2
- 0
Click For Summary
SUMMARY
The discussion centers on the physics of a swing ride, specifically the behavior of angles as they approach 90 degrees. Participants clarify that the tangent of theta becomes infinite in this limit, emphasizing the importance of not simplifying by dividing by omega squared. The conversation highlights the necessity of understanding calculus concepts, particularly limits, in analyzing such physics problems. The initial poster, Chet, expresses a desire to explore physics concepts for fun rather than as a homework question.
PREREQUISITES- Understanding of trigonometric functions, specifically tangent.
- Basic knowledge of calculus, particularly limits and their properties.
- Familiarity with angular motion and its relation to swing rides.
- Concept of angular velocity (omega) in physics.
- Study the concept of limits in calculus, focusing on trigonometric functions.
- Explore the relationship between angular velocity and motion in circular paths.
- Learn about the physics of pendulum motion and its applications in amusement rides.
- Investigate the mathematical modeling of forces acting on objects in circular motion.
Physics enthusiasts, students studying mechanics, and anyone interested in the mathematical principles behind amusement park rides.
- #2
- 23,711
- 5,928
This looks suspiciously like a homework problem. In any event, it is close enough to a typical homework problem that it should have been posted in the homework forum. Please consider doing that next time.
Regarding what you did wrong, the limit of the first term is not zero. If theta goes to 90 degrees, tan of theta is infinite also. If you hadn't divided by omega squared, you would have seen immediately that, in the limit of infinite omega, tan theta becomes infinite, and that theta approaches 90 degrees.
Chet
Regarding what you did wrong, the limit of the first term is not zero. If theta goes to 90 degrees, tan of theta is infinite also. If you hadn't divided by omega squared, you would have seen immediately that, in the limit of infinite omega, tan theta becomes infinite, and that theta approaches 90 degrees.
Chet
- #3
Heyhay
- 2
- 0
Sorry, this was my first post and I wasn't sure where to put it! I can assure you though, that this was not a homework question, instead it was just my curious self doing physics for fun. Questions like this have been asked before on this site but not looking for theta, so I thought I would post so others and myself could understand it.
Anyways, thanks for the response. It's so tempting to just divide by infinity that I didn't even consider that tangent(90) approaches infinity. I guess I'm getting lazy and need to brush up on my calculus.
Thanks!
Hayley
Anyways, thanks for the response. It's so tempting to just divide by infinity that I didn't even consider that tangent(90) approaches infinity. I guess I'm getting lazy and need to brush up on my calculus.
Thanks!
Hayley
Similar threads
- · Replies 4 ·
- · Replies 5 ·
- · Replies 3 ·
- · Replies 16 ·
- · Replies 32 ·
- · Replies 3 ·
- · Replies 8 ·
- · Replies 10 ·