Mechanics Problem using Polar Coordinates

13 replies · 3K views · last reply
MathDestructor
Messages
15
Reaction score
0
Homework Statement
I don't know how to take polar derivatives.
Relevant Equations
r = Rcos(theta) + Rsin(theta)
Free-body diagram of a bead on the outer surface of a circular cylinder in cross section, with axes x (vertical) and y (horizontal) marked, showing normal force F_N and weight F_W at angle phi from the vertical.


Handwritten notebook working in polar coordinates: position r = r̂ R cos φ + ĵ R sin φ, velocity and acceleration vector expansions in r̂ and φ̂ components, and a line reading ΔR net = 0, therefore Δr̂ = 0 marked F.

This is what I have so far, please need urgent help. I don't understand and know what to do.

For the first part, I got a really long answer, for the second part I am trying in terms of mv^2/r = mg, or mg = m*(answer to first), but I am getting nowhere. PLease help
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Please show your work. We don't give answers away but point out mistakes.
 
Handwritten derivation of position, velocity and acceleration in polar coordinates, with r = r̂R cos φ + ĵR sin φ, followed by a part (c) marked F for false, stating net displacement is zero so net force is zero.
This is all I have, I don't know what to do after, I've been stuck for 2 days, and its due in half an hour.
 
MathDestructor said:
This is all I have, I don't know what to do after, I've been stuck for 2 days, and its due in half an hour.
As long as the bead stays on the surface ##\dot R## = 0. That should simplify things for you.
 
What forces should I use to try and solve the second part.
 
MathDestructor said:
What forces should I use to try and solve the second part.
Please show the revised velocity and acceleration in view of my comments in post #4. You cannot proceed to the second part unless you get the first part right. If you have to post pictures (a practice we discourage) at least make sure they are right side up.
 
I tried mv^2/r = mg and mr''= mg. None of them are working
 
MathDestructor said:
I tried mv^2/r = mg and mr''= mg. None of them are working
You need to write a vector equation. How many different forces act on the bead when it is on the surface at angle φ? Write their vector sum in unit vector notation and set it equal to ##m\vec a## in unit vector notation. Your expressions for the velocity and acceleration are correct.
 
kuruman said:
You need to write a vector equation. How many different forces act on the bead when it is on the surface at angle φ? Write their vector sum in unit vector notation and set it equal to ##m\vec a## in unit vector notation. Your expressions for the velocity and acceleration are correct.
I don't know what that means, or how to do that.
 
I have 10 mins left, I would really appreciate it if you would help me in a hurry just this once. Please.
 
MathDestructor said:
I have 10 mins left, I would really appreciate it if you would help me in a hurry just this once. Please.
Sorry, it is against forum rules. Do your best. Identify the forces that act on the bead, draw a free body diagram and use it to write each force in unit vector notation.
 
I know this doesn't give you an answer, but, you can just google for Polar Coordinate Vector System Derivation.
I did that and it all finally made sense.
Some YouTube videos also helped.
It wasn't a part of my curriculum so far, but, learning it helped me understand so many things that, as a result, I have become near-invicible when it comes to inclined plane problems.