The Brachistochrone Problem: cycloid curve

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the Brachistochrone problem, specifically focusing on the behavior of a bead rolling along a cycloid curve as described in a calculus of variations context. The original poster raises questions about the conditions under which the bead either slides down or slides down and back up, relating this to potential energy and the geometry of the cycloid.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to understand the relationship between the ratio of coordinates (x/y) and the bead's motion on the cycloid. They question how this relates to potential energy and the parametric equations of the cycloid. Some participants suggest that the observation may be purely kinematic.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring the implications of the bead's motion based on the ratio of coordinates. There is no explicit consensus yet, but some guidance has been offered regarding the kinematic interpretation of the problem.

Contextual Notes

The original poster references specific homework constraints from a textbook and discusses the implications of the cycloid's parametric equations in relation to the bead's motion.

physicsbeginnerss
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
Homework Statement
Show, in Figure 4.4, that for a point like P3, x3/y3 > π/2 and for P2, x2/y2 = π/2.
Relevant Equations
$$\frac{y1}{x1}>\frac{P2A}{AO}=\frac{2a}{a\pi}=\frac{2}{\pi}$$
This is 'Boas mathematical Methods in the Physical Sciences' homework p484.(Calculus of Variations)

problem2 section4 number 2

calculus1.jpg

The bead is rolling on the cycloid curve.(Figure 4.4)
And the book explain that
'Then if the right-hand endpoint is (x, y) and the origin is
the left-hand endpoint, we can say that the bead just slides down, or slides down and
back up, depending on whether x/y is less than or greater than π/2 (Problem 2).'

My question is how can be it's just slides down or slides down and back up depending on
the magnitude of x/y? I mean it's depending on potential energy that it back up with origin height.(That contains origin potential energy)

The book explains when it comes to P2 the circle has rolled halfway around so OA=$$\frac{1}{2}\cdot 2a\pi=a\pi$$.
For any point P1 on arc
OP2, P1 is below the line OP2, and the coordinates (x1, y1) of P1 have
$$\frac{y_1}{x_1}>\frac{P2A}{AO}=\frac{2a}{a\pi}=\frac{2}{\pi}$$ or $$x_1/y_1 < π/2$$.

And p3 is applied by same solution that x3/y3 would be greater than $$frac{\pi}{2}$$.

Here is my understanding.

KakaoTalk_20200628_210902569.jpg

This is what papers says and I drewed it and understand how it works.

But if $$\frac{x_3}{y_3}$$ is less than $$\frac{\pi}{2}$$
diffcycloid.jpg

In this curve it's hard for the bead back up to p3, But!, Is this can satified with the parametric equation of cycloid?
## $$x=a(\theta-sin\theta)$$
## $$y=a(1-cos\theta)$$

My question is can the last picture be satisfied with the parametric equation of a cycloid or not? And if not, what is the alternative solution that $$\frac{x_3}{y_3}$$ less than $$\frac{\pi}{2}$$ that is still cycloid curve.
 

Attachments

  • KakaoTalk_20200628_210906879.jpg
    KakaoTalk_20200628_210906879.jpg
    28.5 KB · Views: 218
  • 000000.jpg
    000000.jpg
    33.4 KB · Views: 214
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
Can you fix your Latex? Use double dollar signs.
 
PeroK said:
Can you fix your Latex? Use double dollar signs.
I just did it.
 
physicsbeginnerss said:
Then if the right-hand endpoint is (x, y) and the origin is
the left-hand endpoint, we can say that the bead just slides down, or slides down and
back up, depending on whether x/y is less than or greater than π/2
Perhaps it is intended as a purely kinematic observation. If the point of contact at some instant is at (x, y) (y measured positive down from the origin) then:
if x/y < π/2 the bead is still on the downward slope
if x/y > π/2 the bead has started back up
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: physicsbeginnerss

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
5K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
5K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
Replies
18
Views
5K