Understanding about differentials?

  • Thread starter Thread starter DannyPhysika
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Differentials
AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on understanding the relationship between arc length and angular displacement in the context of differentials. The formula dr = R d(theta) is derived from the concept that the arc length (l) can be expressed as l = rθ, where θ is in radians. A differential change in angle, dθ, leads to a differential change in arc length, dl = r dθ. The confusion arises in applying this relationship to the problem at hand. Clarification on how to transition from the general formula to the specific differential form is sought.
DannyPhysika
Messages
30
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



Problem 7.29:

http://cas.umkc.edu/physics/wrobel/phy240/Homework 5.pdf

Homework Equations



dr= R d(theta)

The Attempt at a Solution



I don't understand how to get R d(theta) = dr from the last part of the question, any explanation about how it works is appreciated.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
It's a formula from radian measure. Basically if you have the angle \theta in radians, you can find the arc length by the formula:
l=r\theta
So if you have a differential amount of \theta, you can find a differential amount of arc length which is just dl=rd\theta
 
Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'
Starting with the mass considerations #m(t)# is mass of water #M_{c}# mass of container and #M(t)# mass of total system $$M(t) = M_{C} + m(t)$$ $$\Rightarrow \frac{dM(t)}{dt} = \frac{dm(t)}{dt}$$ $$P_i = Mv + u \, dm$$ $$P_f = (M + dm)(v + dv)$$ $$\Delta P = M \, dv + (v - u) \, dm$$ $$F = \frac{dP}{dt} = M \frac{dv}{dt} + (v - u) \frac{dm}{dt}$$ $$F = u \frac{dm}{dt} = \rho A u^2$$ from conservation of momentum , the cannon recoils with the same force which it applies. $$\quad \frac{dm}{dt}...
Back
Top