Relative Velocity of Points on Rotating Disc

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the relative velocity of points on a rotating disc, specifically focusing on points aligned with the center of mass. Participants explore the implications of different reference frames and the nature of relative motion in a rotating system.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that a point a distance r from the center of the disc has a tangential velocity of magnitude \(\omega r\) with respect to the axis.
  • Another participant proposes that there is zero relative velocity between two points on the disc, reasoning that they appear stationary to each other due to their similar motion.
  • A different viewpoint indicates that the relative velocity depends on the frame of reference, stating that if the frame is rotating with one particle, the speed of the other point is zero.
  • One participant clarifies the question by suggesting that the relative velocity should be calculated between two points along a radius of the disc, with one point at a distance \(r_a\) and the other at \(r_b\) (where \(r_b > r_a\).
  • There is a suggestion that the relative velocity is non-zero in any inertial frame, contradicting the earlier claim of zero relative velocity.
  • Another participant notes that both points are non-inertial due to the change in direction, which adds complexity to the discussion.
  • One participant introduces an analogy involving locations on Earth to illustrate differences in perceived forces due to rotational effects, although this may not directly address the original question.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the nature of relative velocity in this context, with some asserting it is zero while others argue it is non-zero. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about reference frames and the nature of motion in rotating systems, which may not be fully articulated or agreed upon by all participants.

pardesi
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consider a disc which is rotating about an axis passing through it;s centre of mass now consider a points on the disc other than the centre of mass which are in line with the centre of mass
what is their relative velocity and what is the velocity of one point from other's frame
 
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I'm not sure what you are asking. A point a distance r from the center of the disk will have a tangential velocity of magnitude [itex]\omega r[/itex] with respect to the axis.

You want the relative velocity of what with respect to what?
 
I don't know the real scientific answer to this. My own system of logic says that there is zero relative velocity, and each appears stationary to the other.
My reasoning is that two places (say, New York and Los Angeles) are whipping around in a similar manner, but the roads between them don't have to be flexible.
 
yes i got that now after thinking really too much wavering...
if i am not wron the velocity depends on the frame of my refrence if the is rotating with the particle then speed of other point is 0 if it isn't rotating and is parallel to the c.m frame it is [tex]\vec{\omega} (\vec{b}-\vec{a})[/tex]

if i am wrong please do correct me

@doc al i want the relative velocity between two points n line with the cente of rotation
 
Ah... I think I understand the question. Imagine two points a & b in a straight line along a radius. Point a is at a distance [itex]r_a[/itex] from the center and point b is at a distance [itex]r_b > r_a[/itex] from the center. Find their relative velocity. Is that the question?

If so, use what I mentioned in the first post to figure their relative velocity. (It's not zero!)
 
is the relative veolcity sam as the velocity of this point as seen from the others frame
 
pardesi said:
consider a disc which is rotating about an axis passing through it;s centre of mass now consider a points on the disc other than the centre of mass which are in line with the centre of mass
what is their relative velocity and what is the velocity of one point from other's frame
This is avery fantastic question.Relative velocity should be zero,because displacement of one point with respect to other at any time is zero.
 
I believe pardesi's second post gets it right: it is non-zero in any inertial frame.
 
masudr said:
I believe pardesi's second post gets it right: it is non-zero in any inertial frame.
Anyhow both the points are non-inertial-because of change in direction(acceleration)
 
  • #10
My reasoning is that two places (say, New York and Los Angeles) are whipping around in a similar manner, but the roads between them don't have to be flexible.
However, a person will weigh less in Los Angeles than New York, because LA is closer to the equator, and the linear velocity is higher. The centripal force, V^2/R is higher the closer you get to the equator, and zero at the poles. (This would be true if the Earth were truly spherical).
 

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