The two equivalent parallel velocity vectors

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem from the textbook Apostol Vol 1 regarding the relationship between velocity and acceleration vectors of two equivalent functions describing a curve. Participants explore how to prove that the velocity vectors are parallel while the acceleration vectors may not be, delving into definitions and calculations of these vectors.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that the velocity vectors associated with the functions X and Y are parallel at each point of the curve C, based on the relationship Y(t) = X[u(t)].
  • Others question how velocity and acceleration vectors are defined and computed at a certain point, seeking clarification on the derivation process.
  • One participant attempts to derive the acceleration vector using the position vector and the tangent vector, expressing it in terms of the speed function and its derivatives.
  • Another participant suggests that the problem may be overcomplicated and emphasizes that velocity is simply the change of position with respect to time, indicating that the acceleration is the second derivative.
  • There is a focus on evaluating differentials at specific points, as indicated in the problem statement.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing levels of understanding regarding the definitions and calculations of velocity and acceleration vectors. There is no consensus on the best approach to prove the relationship between these vectors, and the discussion remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Some limitations include potential missing assumptions about the functions X and Y, as well as the need for clarity on the definitions of velocity and acceleration in this context. The discussion also reflects varying interpretations of the problem's requirements.

Dinheiro
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This is an exercise from the textbook Apostol Vol 1 (page 525, second edition), and I do not know how to prove it:
Suppose a curve C is described by two equivalent functions X and Y, where Y(t) = X[u(t)].
Prove that at each point of C the velocity vectors associated with X and Y are parallel, but
that the corresponding acceleration vectors need not be parallel.
I would really appreaciate some enlightenment.
 
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Dinheiro said:
This is an exercise from the textbook Apostol Vol 1 (page 525, second edition), and I do not know how to prove it:
Suppose a curve C is described by two equivalent functions X and Y, where Y(t) = X[u(t)].
Prove that at each point of C the velocity vectors associated with X and Y are parallel, but
that the corresponding acceleration vectors need not be parallel.
I would really appreaciate some enlightenment.
How are velocity and acceleration vectors defined at a certain point, i.e. how would you compute them?
 
Here's what I tried:
Let r(t) be the position vector and T(t) such that:
T(t) = r'(t)/||r'(t)||
Now, let w(t) be the speed function and v(t) the velocity vector such that:
v(t) = (w(t)*T(t))
Deriving:
v'(t) = w'(t)T(t) + w(t)T'(t) = a(t)
So acceleration is written by the sum of the two components above. if the velocity of Y(t) = X[u(t)], then we can define Y'(t) = X'(u(t))u'(t) = w(t). Substituting this relation in the acceleration equation above, and we get that their acceleration can be defined as:
[X''(u(t))u'(t) + X'(u(t))u''(t)]T(t) + X'(u(t))u'(t)T'(t) = a(t)
Y''(t)T(t) + Y'(t)T'(t) = a(t)
... How should I've written?
 
This appears to be a little over complicated to me. The more since you have to deal with the crucial part anyway.
The little given by the text, I assume that ##X## and ##Y## are parametrizations of ##C##. That are functions ##X\, ,\, Y : \mathbb{R} \rightarrow C##. Wouldn't velocity simply be the change of position related to the change in time at a certain point in time?
But this sounds to me like ## \frac{d}{dt} X(t) |_{t=t_0}## and likewise for ##X(u(t))##. The acceleration then is the second derivative.
Note that in the text "at each point" is given which means the differentials have to be evaluated at this point.
 

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