Position of particle in inertial reference frame

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves the motion of a particle in a fixed inertial frame of reference, described by a vector equation. The task is to demonstrate that the particle moves in a circle with constant speed, using given constants and equations related to motion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the transformation of the position vector into a non-inertial reference frame and the implications of the curl of velocity for circular motion. There are attempts to relate the given vector equation to the standard equation of a circle.

Discussion Status

The discussion includes various attempts to clarify the mathematical representation of circular motion and the relationship between the particle's motion and the equations provided. Some participants express uncertainty about the direction of their reasoning, while others provide hints that guide the exploration of the problem.

Contextual Notes

There is a suggestion that the problem may not solely be a physics question but also involves mathematical interpretation. Participants question the assumptions about the center of the circle and the relevance of certain transformations.

jasonchiang97
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Homework Statement


The position of a participle in a fixed inertial frame of reference is given by the vector

r = i(x0 + Rcos(Ωt)) +j(Rsin(Ωt))where x0, R and Ω are constants.

a) Show that the particle moves in a circle with constant speed

Homework Equations



F = mv2/r

The Attempt at a Solution



r = r'

where r' is the non-inertial reference frame

dr/dt = i(-RΩsin(Ωt)) + j(RΩcos(Ωt))

I can transform it to a non-inertial reference frame v' using

v = v' + (ω × r')

but since r = r' then

v = v' + (ω × r')

But I'm not sure where that leads me

I also had another thought where if the curl of the velocity in the inertial frame is non-zero does that prove the object is moving in a circular motion? Since the curl is a circulation density.
 
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Write the equation for a circle at the origin. Then, if you rewrite the given equation as:
##\vec {r} = x_0\vec {i} + R\cos (Ωt)\vec {i} + R\sin (Ωt)\vec {j}##
does that help? Hint: this is not a physics question. Just math.

AM
 
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Andrew Mason said:
Write the equation for a circle at the origin. Then, if you rewrite the given equation as:
##\vec {r} = x_0\vec {i} + R\cos (Ωt)\vec {i} + R\sin (Ωt)\vec {j}##
does that help? Hint: this is not a physics question. Just math.

AM

sorry, do you mean a circle centered at the origin? if that's what you mean then

x2 + y2 = R2where x(t) = Rcos(Ωt) and y(t) = Rsin(Ωt) in polar coordinates

then

##\vec {r} = x_0\vec {i} + R\cos (Ωt)\vec {i} + R\sin (Ωt)\vec {j} = x_0\vec{i} + x(t)\vec{i} + y(t)\vec{j}##

or is the last step not needed
 
Never mind I figured it out.

Thanks for the hint!
 

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