Possible error in Marion and Thornton's Classical Dynamics?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the derivation of rotation matrices in classical mechanics, specifically referencing Marion and Thornton's "Classical Dynamics." The rotation matrix provided in the book is R = \begin{pmatrix} \cos\theta & \sin\theta \\ -\sin\theta & \cos\theta \end{pmatrix}, which represents clockwise rotation. In contrast, the user derived R' = \begin{pmatrix} \cos\theta & -\sin\theta \\ \sin\theta & \cos\theta \end{pmatrix}, indicating counter-clockwise rotation. The key takeaway is that the columns of the rotation matrix represent the transformation of old unit vectors into new coordinates, clarifying the correct interpretation of rotation direction.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of rotation matrices in linear algebra
  • Familiarity with unit vectors in two-dimensional space
  • Basic knowledge of trigonometric functions
  • Concept of coordinate transformations in classical mechanics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of rotation matrices in detail
  • Explore the implications of clockwise vs. counter-clockwise rotation in physics
  • Learn about coordinate transformations in three-dimensional space
  • Review the application of rotation matrices in rigid body dynamics
USEFUL FOR

Students of classical mechanics, physics educators, and anyone studying rotation dynamics in engineering or physics will benefit from this discussion.

Elvis 123456789
Messages
158
Reaction score
6

Homework Statement


so I was going over my notes on classical mechanics and just started to review rotation matrices which is the first topic the book starts with. On page 3, I've uploaded the page here

The rotation matrix associated with 1.2a and 1.2b is

\begin{pmatrix}
\cos\theta & \sin\theta \\
-\sin\theta & \cos\theta \\
\end{pmatrix}but when I try to derive the matrix by following the unit vectors ##\hat i## and ##\hat j##

I get

\begin{pmatrix}
\cos\theta & -\sin\theta \\
\sin\theta & \cos\theta \\
\end{pmatrix}

The one that the book derives would be clockwise rotation, and the one I got would be for counter-clockwise rotation correct?
 

Attachments

  • m & t pg 3.png
    m & t pg 3.png
    31.1 KB · Views: 518
Physics news on Phys.org
No. You want to express the new coordinates in terms of the old with the rotation matrix. The columns are the images of the new unit vectors, expressed in the old coordinate system: $$\hat i' = \cos\theta\; \hat i + \sin\theta\;\hat j \\\hat j' = -\sin\theta\; \hat i + \cos\theta\;\hat j $$
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
1K
  • · Replies 30 ·
2
Replies
30
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K