Orthogonality of time dependent vector derivatives of constant magnitude

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the orthogonality of the derivative of a time-dependent vector function with constant magnitude. Specifically, when considering a vector function r(t) of constant magnitude, the derivative r' is orthogonal to r. This is established by differentiating the equation r^2 = r(t) · r(t), which leads to the conclusion that the time derivative of the magnitude remains constant, thereby confirming the orthogonality.

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lordkelvin
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I'm having trouble understanding why a derivative of a time dependent vector function is orthogonal to the original function. Can anybody give me some enlightenment? I searched around for some previous talk about this, and I can't find anything.

Thanks.
 
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You have to be a bit more specific... I don't understand your question right now.
 
Does the time-dependent vector have constant magnitude?
 
Yes the original vector function is of constant magnitude. Take a vector function r(t) of constant magnitude and then r dot should be orthogonal to r. I don't understand why.
 
Take the derivative with respect to time of both sides of

r^2 = \bold{r}\left( t \right) \cdot \bold{r}\left( t \right).

What do you get?
 

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