Path of a Vector: $\vec{V}=ky\hat{i}+kx\hat{j}$

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The discussion centers around finding the path equation for the vector field defined by $\vec{V}=ky\hat{i}+kx\hat{j}$. Participants explore various methods to derive the relationship between x and y, emphasizing the importance of treating x and y as functions of time t. One user suggests using simultaneous scalar differential equations and integrating to find a second-order ordinary differential equation (ODE). Another user proposes a more straightforward approach by integrating the relationship derived from the velocity components, leading to the equation y² = x² + constant. This latter method is acknowledged as a more effective solution.
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1. The problem
if {\vec{V}=ky\hat{i}+kx\hat{j} find the equation of the path
 
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dk_ch said:
1. The problem
if ##\vec{V}=ky\hat{i}+kx\hat{j}## find the equation of the path

You need to show your attempt, or at least describe your thinking.
 
What do "x" and "y" represent here? If they are two independent variables this is surface not a path.
 
are you dealing with parametric equations?
 
haruspex said:
You need to show your attempt, or at least describe your thinking.

I wrote vel components separately as dx/dt and dy/dt . then the relations were integrated to have two equations relating x,y and t. Finally i eliminated t to get the equation. was i right?

i got eq (1) x = kyt +c1 and eq (2) y = kxt+c2
and final eq was (x-c1)/(y-c2)=y/x
 
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dk_ch said:
I wrote vel components separately as dx/dt and dy/dt . then the relations were integrated to have two equations relating x,y and t. Finally i eliminated t to get the equation. was i right?

i got eq (1) x = yt +c1 and eq (2) y = xt+c2
and final eq was (x-c1)/(y-c2)=y/x

Well that solution is not correct is it? Just differentiate it to check with the original equation (making sure to use the product rule) and you will see that.
 
dk_ch said:
I wrote vel components separately as dx/dt and dy/dt . then the relations were integrated to have two equations relating x,y and t. Finally i eliminated t to get the equation. was i right?

i got eq (1) x = yt +c1 and eq (2) y = xt+c2
and final eq was (x-c1)/(y-c2)=y/x
y and x are functions of t, so you cannot integrate y with respect to t and get yt.
I would start by getting out of vectors and represent the equation as two simultaneous scalar differential equations. Then you can eliminate one dependent variable to obtain a second order ODE.
There may be neater ways.

You will also need to known the position at t=0.
 
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haruspex said:
y and x are functions of t, so you cannot integrate y with respect to t and get yt.
I would start by getting out of vectors and represent the equation as two simultaneous scalar differential equations. Then you can eliminate one dependent variable to obtain a second order ODE.
There may be neater ways.

You will also need to known the position at t=0.

thanks , I had doubt .
May I do it as follows .
dx/dt =ky and dy/dt=kx hence dx/dy=y/x or xdx=ydy .now by integrating we can get the result as y^2=x^2+ constant. .

please confirm.
 
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dk_ch said:
thanks , I had doubt .
May I do it as follows .
dx/dt =ky and dy/dt=kx hence dx/dy=y/x or xdx=ydy .now by integrating we can get the result as y^2=x^2+ constant. .

please confirm.
Yes, much better than my way.
 
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