Re: Entropy - Actually a question about working in Polar Coordinates

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The discussion centers on deriving relationships between polar and Cartesian coordinates, specifically focusing on the equations for the time derivatives of the unit vectors \(\hat{r}\) and \(\hat{\theta}\). Participants emphasize the need to express \(\hat{r}\) and \(\hat{\theta}\) in terms of Cartesian components, using sine and cosine functions. There is confusion about the correct expressions for these unit vectors, leading to questions about their definitions and how to differentiate them over time. A suggestion is made to refer to textbook resources for clarification on these relationships. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding the foundational concepts in polar coordinates to solve the problem effectively.
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show that \frac{d\hat{r}}{dt}=\hat{θ}\dot{θ}

also, \frac{d\hat{θ}}{dt}=-\dot{θ}r


i've tried finding the relationship between r and theta via turning it into Cartesian coord.s, and I've tried the S=theta r but still no luck.

S=theta r

dS/dt=d(theta)/dt r which is similar to the RHS of the second equation I'm supposed to show. but i don't know how to turn dS/dt into dtheta hat /dt
 
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What are the cartesian coordinates of those polar coordinate unit vectors? What happens when you differentiate with respect to time?
 
my appologies about the title


\hat{r}=\hat{x}+\hat{y}

d\hat{r}/dt = d(\hat{x}+\hat{y})/dt=d\hat{x}/dt+d\hat{y}/dt

\hat{θ}=?
 
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Is ##\hat x + \hat y## a unit vector? (No.)

And that is not ##\hat r##.
 
As DH is requesting, do you know how to express \hat{r} and \hat{\theta} in terms of \hat{x}, \hat{y}, sinθ, and cosθ?
 
oops, sorry i misread aGAiN.. i have that habbit.

please clearify this for me

\hat{x}= the x component of \hat{r}? if it is, i can find x.. if it's not. then i am even more lost than i thought i was.
 
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You've been given a very good hint. Look in your textbook and your class notes. This homework question was not asked out of thin air. If this is a homework problem from your textbook, that information is right there in your book. It's in the same chapter as the question is in.
 

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