Need help with Newtonian equations with angular momentum

Click For Summary
In solving Newtonian equations involving angular momentum, the angle θ should be expressed in radians, particularly when using equations like θ = S/R or ωf² = ωi² + 2α(θf - θi). For an angle of displacement of 45°, this translates to θ = π/4 radians. The approximation sin(θ) ≈ θ is valid only for small angles near zero. It's essential to understand the specific problem context to determine the correct application of these equations, as physics principles guide the formulation of the equations rather than merely substituting values.
Blockade
Messages
68
Reaction score
0
For an equations such as this what goes into the θ?

θ = sinθ or θ = θ?

Let's say if the angle of displacement = 45° do I just plug 45° as θ into the equation below or should it be sin(45°)?

Or is it θ = S/R ?
ωf2 = ωi2 + 2 α (θf - θi)
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
There is no way of knowing without the specific problem you are trying to solve.

##\theta = \sin\theta## is true for the intersection of the line ##y=\theta## with the curve ##y=\sin\theta## which occurs for ##\theta=0##
The relation ##\sin\theta \approx\theta## is known as the par-axial approximation, it applies when ##\theta \approx 0##.

If you want to find the arclength subtended by 45 degrees, then you would put ##\theta = \frac{\pi}{4}## into ##S=R\theta## to find out.

If an object has turned through 45deg starting with speed ##\omega_i## and accelerating at constant ##\alpha## ... and you wanted to know the final angular velocity, then you would put ##\theta = \frac{\pi}{4}## into ##\omega_f^2=\omega_i^2+2\alpha\theta##

It is unclear what you mean by "the Newtonian equations" in this context ... Newton's second law, for instance, would be ##\sum\vec \tau = I\vec\alpha##

In physics: angles are always used in radians, and you should never try to work a physics problem just by putting numbers into equations: you should use physics to find the equation first.
 
For simple comparison, I think the same thought process can be followed as a block slides down a hill, - for block down hill, simple starting PE of mgh to final max KE 0.5mv^2 - comparing PE1 to max KE2 would result in finding the work friction did through the process. efficiency is just 100*KE2/PE1. If a mousetrap car travels along a flat surface, a starting PE of 0.5 k th^2 can be measured and maximum velocity of the car can also be measured. If energy efficiency is defined by...

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
5K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
15K
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
5K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K