How Do Position Vectors Differ in Inertial and Rotating Frames?

The position vector in the Coulomb force is the position of the charged particle relative to the source of the field.In summary, the issue at hand is how to account for the different frames of reference in the equations for inertial and rotating fields. The solution involves expressing the rate of change of the position vector in the inertial frame in terms of the rotating frame and using the same r for the position vector in the Coulomb force. This simplifies the calculations and allows for a consistent solution.
  • #1
aftershock
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Homework Statement



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Homework Equations



Frotating = Finertial + Fcor + Fcf

The Attempt at a Solution



For the inertial field: F = -qv x b -kQq/r2

For the rotating field it would be the same term plus the coriolis and centrifugal forces.

The issue I'm having trouble with is this:

The v in qv x b has to be the derivative of the position vector drawn from the inertial field right? But the position vector and its derivatives in the coriolis and centrifugal force formulas are drawn from the rotating frame right? So I can't just use one r for all the terms.

But in the solution http://www.physics.umd.edu/courses/Phys410/gates/Phys410_Solution_06.pdf it looks like that's exactly what was done... just one r?

I can't make sense of this, can anyone shed some light on it?
 
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  • #2
aftershock said:
For the inertial field: F = -qv x b -kQq/r2

For the rotating field it would be the same term plus the coriolis and centrifugal forces.

The issue I'm having trouble with is this:

The v in qv x b has to be the derivative of the position vector drawn from the inertial field right? But the position vector and its derivatives in the coriolis and centrifugal force formulas are drawn from the rotating frame right? So I can't just use one r for all the terms.

Right, the v in the magnetic force qv x B is the rate of change of the position vector relative to the inertial frame. However, you can express the rate of change of the position in the inertial frame in terms of the rate of change of the position in the rotating frame and in terms of [itex]\Omega[/itex]. But note that the magnitude of the position vector, r, is the same in both frames. So, you don't need to worry about the r in the Coulomb force.
 

FAQ: How Do Position Vectors Differ in Inertial and Rotating Frames?

1. What is a non-inertial rotating frame?

A non-inertial rotating frame is a reference frame in which the laws of motion do not follow the principles of inertia. In other words, objects in this frame appear to experience a force, even when no external force is acting on them, due to the rotational motion of the frame itself.

2. How is a non-inertial rotating frame different from an inertial frame?

In an inertial frame, objects move at a constant velocity unless acted upon by an external force. In a non-inertial rotating frame, objects appear to experience a force due to the rotation of the frame, even when there is no external force present. This is because the frame is accelerating, and according to Newton's second law, an acceleration results in a force.

3. What are some examples of non-inertial rotating frames?

Some examples of non-inertial rotating frames include a rotating merry-go-round, a carousel, and a rotating Earth. In these frames, objects appear to experience a force, such as centrifugal force, due to the rotation of the frame.

4. How does a non-inertial rotating frame affect the motion of objects within it?

In a non-inertial rotating frame, objects appear to experience a force even when there is no external force acting on them. This force can affect the motion of the objects, causing them to accelerate or change direction, even when no external force is present.

5. What is the Coriolis effect and how does it relate to non-inertial rotating frames?

The Coriolis effect is the apparent deflection of objects moving in a rotating frame due to the rotation of the frame itself. This effect is a result of the combination of the object's linear motion and the rotation of the frame. The Coriolis effect is an important concept in understanding the behavior of objects in non-inertial rotating frames.

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