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
 
Kindly see the attached pdf. My attempt to solve it, is in it. I'm wondering if my solution is right. My idea is this: At any point of time, the ball may be assumed to be at an incline which is at an angle of θ(kindly see both the pics in the pdf file). The value of θ will continuously change and so will the value of friction. I'm not able to figure out, why my solution is wrong, if it is wrong .
TL;DR Summary: I came across this question from a Sri Lankan A-level textbook. Question - An ice cube with a length of 10 cm is immersed in water at 0 °C. An observer observes the ice cube from the water, and it seems to be 7.75 cm long. If the refractive index of water is 4/3, find the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. I could not understand how the apparent height of the ice cube in the water depends on the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. Does anyone have an...
Back
Top