How Does Velocity Change with Time in a Spiral Path?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on deriving the expression for velocity as a function of time in a spiral path using polar coordinates. The user attempts to express tangential speed and questions the correctness of their approach, specifically regarding the substitution of radial distance and differentiation. There is confusion about the dimensional correctness of the derived formula and whether the equations used are appropriate. The conversation highlights the need for clarity in applying polar coordinate transformations to velocity components. Ultimately, the user seeks validation of their calculations and understanding of the underlying physics.
roam
Messages
1,265
Reaction score
12

Homework Statement



http://img534.imageshack.us/img534/6164/questionv.jpg

Homework Equations



ω = dθ/dt

v = dS/dt

The Attempt at a Solution



I used the second expression for the tangential speed:

v = \frac{dS}{dt} = r \frac{d \dot{\theta}}{d t} = (b-ct) \frac{d(kt)}{dt}

\therefore \ v(t) = (b-ct) k

So is this a correct expression for speed as a function of time? :confused:

So when r=0, the velocity would also be 0?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
in polar coordinates v2=(dr/dt)2+(rd\theta/dt)2
 
roam said:
v = \frac{dS}{dt} = r \frac{d \dot{\theta}}{d t} = (b-ct) \frac{d(kt)}{dt}
is it dimensionally correct?
 
I just substituted the rate of change of radial distance into the equation v = r.dθ/dt, and then I differentiated it. What's wrong with that? :confused:
 
I think it's dimensionally correct. Why? Did I use the wrong equations?
 
roam said:
I just substituted the rate of change of radial distance into the equation v = r.dθ/dt, and then I differentiated it. What's wrong with that? :confused:

In this case, I think this formula isn't correct.
So, <br /> \vec{r}=r\cos(\theta)\hat{x}+r\sin(\theta)\hat{y}<br /> \\<br /> \vec{v}=\frac{d\vec{r}}{dt}<br /> \\<br /> v_x=\frac{d(r\cos(\theta))}{dt}=\cos(\theta)\frac{dr}{dt}+r\frac{d(\cos\theta)}{dt}=\cos(\theta) \frac{dr}{dt}-r\sin\theta \frac{d\theta}{dt}<br /> \\<br /> v_y=\frac{d(r\sin(\theta))}{dt}=\sin(\theta)\frac{dr}{dt}+r\cos\theta\frac{d\theta}{dt}<br /> \\<br /> v^2=(v_x)^2+(v_y)^2=(\frac{dr}{dt})^2+(r\frac{d \theta}{dt})^2<br /> <br />
 
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...
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