Need help with Newtonian equations with angular momentum

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the proper use of angles in Newtonian equations involving angular momentum. Specifically, when dealing with angular displacement, the angle should be expressed in radians, such as using θ = π/4 for 45°. The par-axial approximation states that sin(θ) ≈ θ when θ is near zero. For calculations involving angular velocity, the equation ωf² = ωi² + 2α(θf - θi) requires θ to be in radians for accurate results.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of angular displacement and its representation in radians
  • Familiarity with Newton's laws, particularly angular motion equations
  • Knowledge of trigonometric functions, specifically sine
  • Basic grasp of kinematic equations in rotational dynamics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the relationship between angular displacement and arc length using S = Rθ
  • Learn about the par-axial approximation and its applications in physics
  • Explore the derivation and application of Newton's second law in rotational dynamics
  • Practice solving problems involving angular velocity and acceleration in radians
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics and rotational dynamics, as well as educators teaching Newtonian physics concepts.

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.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
5K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
15K
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
3K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
5K