Trajectory of a particle under the given force

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the trajectory of a particle in the xy-plane under a specific force that attracts it toward the origin. Participants are analyzing the mathematical formulation of the problem, including the derivation of the Binet equation and its implications for the trajectory, as well as clarifying the vector nature of the equations involved.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Post 1 introduces the force acting on the particle and presents an initial trajectory equation, seeking assistance with the Binet equation derived from it.
  • Post 2 expresses a desire to compare Binet equations but does not provide their own, indicating uncertainty about the solution.
  • Post 3 questions the vector representation in the trajectory equation and the Binet equation, highlighting potential inconsistencies in vector notation.
  • Post 4 clarifies that the trajectory equation represents the r-component of a polar vector and emphasizes that the double derivative is indeed a vector, suggesting a derivation of the Binet equation is needed.
  • Post 5 corrects a previous typing mistake regarding the notation of the Binet equation and reiterates the trajectory equation, indicating a misunderstanding of vector representation.
  • Post 6 points out a misattribution of the Binet equation to Newton's laws, referencing hints from earlier posts to guide the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the correct formulation of the equations and their vector nature, indicating that there is no consensus on the interpretation of the Binet equation or the trajectory representation.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved issues regarding the vector notation in the equations presented, as well as the derivation of the Binet equation from the given force. Participants have not reached a definitive conclusion on these points.

Abhishek11235
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A particle of mass m in xy plane is attracted toward the origin with the force
$$\begin{align}\vec{f} = - \frac{k^{2} m}{r^{6}}\vec{r}\end{align}$$ where ##\vec r## is position vector of particle measured from origin. If it starts at position ##(a,0)## with speed $$v=\frac{k}{\sqrt{2} a^{2}}$$ perpendicular to x-axis show that trajectory of given particle is
$$\vec r= a cosΘ $$
The equation I got is Binet equation which I can't solve for r. Thanks for help

The Binet equation I got is:

$$\ddot r - \vec r w^2 = \vec f$$

Here f is same as (##1##)
 
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Hello Abhishek, :welcome:
Abhishek11235 said:
The equation I got is Binet equation
Pity you don't post it: then I could compare it with mine, which looks reasonable. I can't solve it offhand either, but when I know the answer I can check that it satisfies the equation :rolleyes: (didn't check the constants, though)
 
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Couple of clarifications needed.
1. In:

$$\vec r=acosΘ$$

The left hand side is a vector. Is that intentional? If so, what is the vector on the right hand side

2. Similarly, in

##\ddot r-\vec r##ω2=##\vec f##

The first term on the left is not a vector, the other two are.
 
1. No. ##|\vec r| = a\cos\theta## is the r-component of a polar vector. The right hand side is a scalar. At ##t=0## you have ##\vec r = (a,0)\ ## (both in polar and in cartesian)

2. No again. The double derivative of a time dependent vector is a vector, in this case an acceleration vector ##\ddot{\vec r} \equiv \vec a## .

You edited in your result for the Binet equation. Good (it looks simple). But given the expression for ##\vec F##, I find it hard to believe. Can you show the derivation ?

(edit: this looks more like a warbled Newton equation if you ask me -- see here
and a bit further down that link also has an example with ##|\vec F|\propto r^{-3}##, so just follow the same path ... :cool: )
 
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Chandra Prayaga said:
Couple of clarifications needed.
1. In:

$$\vec r=acosΘ$$

The left hand side is a vector. Is that intentional? If so, what is the vector on the right hand side

2. Similarly, in

##\ddot r-\vec r##ω2=##\vec f##

The first term on the left is not a vector, the other two are.
No. It is my typing mistake.
It should be ##\ddot {\vec r}-\vec r##ω2=##\vec f##

And for other it is:
##r= acos\theta##
 
@Chandra Prayaga : sorry I mistakenly took you for the thread starter
@Abhishek11235: that's not Binet, that's Newton ! Benefit from the 'hints' in post #4 :smile:
 

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