Velocity and Acceleration Vector problem

AI Thread Summary
A car moves in a circle with a radius b, and its speed varies over time according to v = ct. The discussion involves determining the velocity and acceleration vectors, with corrections made to the initial attempts at differentiation and trigonometric functions. The velocity vector was refined to b u' sin(u(t))i - b u' cos(u(t))j, while the acceleration vector was also calculated. For part (b), the angle between the velocity and acceleration vectors can be found using the formula cos(theta) = (v dot a)/(|v||a|). The conversation focuses on correcting mathematical errors and clarifying the approach to solving the problem.
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Homework Statement


A car moves on a circle of constant radius b. The speed of the car varies with time according to the equation, v = ct, where c is a positive constant.
a) Draw a diagram showing the direction of the velocity and acceleration(s). Find the velocity and acceleration vectors (Directions of the vectors you have chosen to show in your diagram).
b)Find the angle between the velocity vector and the acceleration vector. (Note: Express the angle in terms of c and t)


Homework Equations


V = dx/dt
A = dv/dt


The Attempt at a Solution


Position Vector (from center of circle): b cos (u(t))i +b sin(u(t))j;
u(t) = a function of time
Velocity vector: -b u`cos(u(t))i + b u` sin(u(t))j;
bu`(t) = ct
u(t) = 1/2 (c/b)t^2

Velocity Vector: -(c)(t)sin(1/2(c/b)t^2)i+(c)(t)cos(1/2(c/b)t^2)j
Acceleration Vector: (c-(c^2 t^2)/b)cos(1/2(c/b)t^2)i+((-c^2 t^2)/b-c)sin(1/2(c/b)t^2)j

I'm not sure if I did this correct. If not can you please show me my error and help with part b? :)
 
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Albeaver said:
Position Vector (from center of circle): b cos (u(t))i +b sin(u(t))j;
u(t) = a function of time
Velocity vector: -b u`cos(u(t))i + b u` sin(u(t))j;
That differentiation is wrong - try it again.
 
Thanks...
Velocity vector: b u`sin(u(t))i - b u` cos(u(t))j;
 
Albeaver said:
Thanks...
Velocity vector: b u`sin(u(t))i - b u` cos(u(t))j;

You've corrected the trig functions but now the signs are wrong.
For part (b), given two vectors, how do you find the angle between them?
 
Oh yeah I forgot to put that didn't I? Cos (theta) = (v dot a)/(|v||a|) Is that correct?
 
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