Proving F is a Central Force: Alonso & Finn's Physics

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on proving that a force F = k⋅u × v results in circular motion with a constant angular velocity ω = k ⋅ u or a spiral motion parallel to u. Participants debate whether establishing F as a central force is necessary for demonstrating circular motion, with some arguing that proving ω is constant is insufficient. The consensus suggests that to show the motion corresponds to a helix, one must derive the acceleration equation and understand the general motion equations. The importance of using orthogonal unit vectors in the analysis is emphasized. Overall, the discussion highlights the complexities involved in proving the nature of the motion under the given force.
Anastasis Pk
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Good afternoon!
Exercise: Prove that if a body moves under the action of a force F = k⋅u × v, where u is an arbitrary unit vector and v the velocity, the motion is circular with angular velocity ω = k ⋅ u or, in a more general case, a spiral parallel to u.

Source: (Alonso & Finn: Fundamental university physics)

I attempted to prove that F is a central force, so that the angular momentum is constant. Is that wrong?
Thank you in advance!
 
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Would showing F is a central force buy you anything? The force of the Sun on a planet is a central force. but the orbits aren't circular.
 
Anastasis Pk said:
I attempted to prove that F is a central force
That won't do it. F = k.v would satisfy that. Get an equation for the acceleration.
 
Thank you for your responses! In order to prove that it's motion is circular wouldn't it be sufficient to prove that ω is constant?
Could you "boost" me a bit?
 
Anastasis Pk said:
Thank you for your responses! In order to prove that it's motion is circular wouldn't it be sufficient to prove that ω is constant?
Not really. The question is asking you to demonstrate that the equation of motion corresponds to a particle moving at constant speed in a helix. (It says spiral, but it means helix.)
It might help if you could write down the general equation for such a motion, so that you could see what the answer has to look like. Hint: pick a suitable set of orthogonal unit vectors.
Anyway, the first (easy) step, as I posted originally, is to obtain an equation for the acceleration of the particle.
 
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