Position of particle in inertial reference frame

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SUMMARY

The position of a particle in a fixed inertial reference frame is described by the vector equation r = i(x0 + Rcos(Ωt)) + j(Rsin(Ωt)), where x0, R, and Ω are constants. The particle moves in a circle with constant speed, as demonstrated by the transformation of the position vector into a non-inertial frame and the application of the curl of velocity. The relationship between the particle's motion and circular equations is established through the conversion to polar coordinates, confirming the circular trajectory. The discussion emphasizes the mathematical nature of the problem rather than a purely physics-based approach.

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  • Understanding of vector calculus and polar coordinates
  • Familiarity with inertial and non-inertial reference frames
  • Knowledge of angular velocity (Ω) and its implications in circular motion
  • Basic principles of curl in vector fields
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  • Study the mathematical derivation of circular motion in polar coordinates
  • Explore the concept of curl in vector calculus and its physical interpretations
  • Learn about the differences between inertial and non-inertial reference frames
  • Investigate the implications of angular velocity in rotational dynamics
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Students and professionals in physics, mathematics, and engineering who are interested in understanding particle motion in inertial reference frames and the mathematical foundations of circular motion.

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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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