Velocity of a particle GIVEN position vector

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the speed of a particle given its position vector, expressed as r = (4t, 3, t^3). Participants are exploring the relationship between position, velocity, and speed in the context of vector calculus.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss differentiating the position vector to find the velocity vector and subsequently the speed. There are questions about the differentiation process, particularly regarding the treatment of the terms in the position vector.

Discussion Status

Several participants have provided insights into the differentiation of the position vector and the calculation of speed from the velocity vector. There is an ongoing exploration of the concepts involved, with some participants seeking clarification on the steps taken to arrive at the velocity vector.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express confusion about the differentiation process and the implications of the terms in the position vector, indicating a need for further clarification on these mathematical concepts.

vorcil
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A [article follows the path given by the position vector
r= (4t , 3 , t^3)

what's its' speed at t=1?

no idea how to solve this
i know velocity is the derivative of the position with respect to time

do i just solve, 4, 0, 3t^2, then stick it in?
4 + 3 = 7m/s??
 
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Velocity is a vector quantity. The particle's velocity at time t is v = (4,0,3t^2). At time t=1, the velocity of the particle is v = (4,0,3). It's speed at time t=1 is [tex]\sqrt{4^{2}+0^{2}+3^{2}}[/tex] = 5.
 
Random Variable said:
Velocity is a vector. The particles vecolocty at time t is v = (4,0,3t^2). At time t=1, the veclocity of the particle is v = (4,0,3). It's speed at time t=1 is [tex]\sqrt{4^{2}+0^{2}+3^{2}}[/tex] = 5.


oh so it's just the magnitude of the differentiated vector?

this was the original equation
r= (4t , 3 , t^3)

so i'd differnetiate it,

(4 , 0 , 3t^2)
and find the |r| or the magnitude of it?
 
EDIT: You want the magnitude of v, not r.
 
Random Variable said:
Yes. Speed is a scalar.

I find it strange to differentiate the position vector

what happened to the square on the t^3, 3t^2, it became 4,0,3?
what about the t^2? or is the ^2 part of the t, and we forget the t's?
 
You wanted the speed at time t=1.
 
You're given the particle's postion as a function of time. If you differentiate, then you know the rate and direction at which the particle's position is changing.
 
Random Variable said:
You wanted the speed at time t=1.

so how do i make r= (4t , 3 , t^3) become 4,0,3?
4*1t , 3*0t, 1*1^3?

i thought differentiating r= (4t , 3 , t^3) 4t -> 4 ,3 -> 0, t^3 -> 3t^2
then substituting in 1 for t, you get the velocity vector, 4,0,3?
then i'd just get |(4,0,3)|
 
v = dr/dt = (4, 0, 3t2)

speed = |v| = [itex]\sqrt{4^2 + 0^2 + 9t^4 }[/itex]
The speed at t = 1 is the value of the radical above at t=1.
 
  • #10
vorcil said:
so how do i make r= (4t , 3 , t^3) become 4,0,3?
4*1t , 3*0t, 1*1^3?

i thought differentiating r= (4t , 3 , t^3) 4t -> 4 ,3 -> 0, t^3 -> 3t^2
then substituting in 1 for t, you get the velocity vector, 4,0,3?
then i'd just get |(4,0,3)|

(4,0,3) is a vector with magnitude 5.
 
  • #11
Random Variable said:
(4,0,3) is a vector with magnitude 5.
yeah thanks i know that, but how did you get (4,0,3) from r= (4t , 3 , t^3)?
 
  • #12
Random Variable said:
Velocity is a vector quantity. The particle's velocity at time t is v = (4,0,3t^2). At time t=1, the velocity of the particle is v = (4,0,3). It's speed at time t=1 is [tex]\sqrt{4^{2}+0^{2}+3^{2}}[/tex] = 5.


OH RIGHT,
thanks Random variable, XD XD XD :smile:

Just to confirm, i differentiate r= (4t , 3 , t^3)?
 
  • #13
vorcil said:
OH RIGHT,
thanks Random variable, XD XD XD :smile:

Just to confirm, i differentiate r= (4t , 3 , t^3)?


Hasn't this been answered in post 9?
 

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