Mechanics: Coordinate systems and vector's

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on deriving the velocity vector of an ant walking on a rotating turntable using both polar and Cartesian coordinate systems. The velocity vector in polar coordinates is expressed as \hat{v} = \dot{r}\hat{r} + r\dot{\vartheta}\hat{\vartheta}. The user grapples with the addition of the ant's velocity vector and the turntable's angular velocity, ultimately recognizing the need to express the ant's velocity in Cartesian coordinates as V_x = u \cos \theta and V_y = u \sin \theta. The discussion highlights the complexities of transforming between coordinate systems in rotational motion.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of polar and Cartesian coordinate systems
  • Familiarity with vector calculus
  • Knowledge of angular velocity and its implications in rotational motion
  • Basic principles of kinematics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the transformation between polar and Cartesian coordinates in detail
  • Learn about angular velocity and its effects on linear motion
  • Explore vector addition in different reference frames
  • Practice problems involving rotating systems and velocity vectors
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics and rotational dynamics, as well as educators looking for examples of vector analysis in rotating systems.

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Homework Statement



An ant walks from the inside to the outside of a rotating turntable. Write down it's velocity vector.

Use polar the cartesian coordinates.


Homework Equations



I have already derived the velocity vector in polar coordinates which is:

[tex]\hat{v}[/tex] = [tex]\dot{r}[/tex][tex]\hat{r}[/tex] + r[tex]\dot{\vartheta}[/tex][tex]\hat{\vartheta}[/tex]



The Attempt at a Solution



The table is rotating at a velocity [tex]\hat{v}[/tex] whilst the ant we assume just walks in a straight line along direction[tex]\hat{j}[/tex] in it's reference frame there is nothing odd, it is walking in a straight line. However in the observers reference frame is is moving in a circle due to the motion of the turntable.. So do I take it's cartesian velocity vector [tex]\dot{r}[/tex][tex]\hat{r}[/tex] and simply add it with the velocity of the turntable [tex]\dot{r}[/tex][tex]\hat{r}[/tex] + r[tex]\dot{\vartheta}[/tex][tex]\hat{\vartheta}[/tex] ??

I'm not quite sure how this works.
 
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Ah I've done it in polar coordinates. I was half right about the addition, but I was unsure about the angular velcity of the turntable. Now doing it in cartesian.
 
Unsure about cartesian coordinates... I've considered the velocity of the ant in x and y directions Vx = ucos theta
Vy = usin theta

Then I considered a point on the turntable which has an angular velocity rw...

I don't know what to do now...
 

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