Vector analysis: show the object moves on the elliptical path

manimaran1605
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Homework Statement


problem form div curl grad and all that by h.m.schey
An object moves in xy-plane in such a way that its position vector r is given as a some function of "t" by

r= i acosωt+j bsinωt

show the object moves on the elliptical path

Homework Equations


(x/a)^2+(y/b)^2=1

The Attempt at a Solution


I tried the problem by changing cosωt=x and sinωt=y but i don't know how to proceed further, i don't know how to eliminate the unit vectors i, j. help me. Thank you
 
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You have to show that for the given parametrisation of the coordinates ##x(t)## and ##y(t)##, the equation for an ellipse is satisfied, that equation being the one you wrote in Relevant equations. What is x(t) and y(t) in this case?
 
manimaran1605 said:

Homework Statement


problem form div curl grad and all that by h.m.schey
An object moves in xy-plane in such a way that its position vector r is given as a some function of "t" by

r= i acosωt+j bsinωt

show the object moves on the elliptical path

Homework Equations


(x/a)^2+(y/b)^2=1


The Attempt at a Solution


I tried the problem by changing cosωt=x and sinωt=y
Well, that's your first error. It should be x= a cos(ωt), y= b sin(ωt) so that x/a= cos(ωt), y/b= sin(ωt). Now use the fact that sin^2+ cos^2= 1.

but i don't know how to proceed further, i don't know how to eliminate the unit vectors i, j. help me. Thank you
?? There are no vectors in your equation for x and y as functions of t!
 
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