Verical and Horizontal Circles

AI Thread Summary
Vertical and horizontal circles differ primarily in their orientation within a coordinate system, affecting their equations and the physics involved. The equation for a horizontal circle is x^2 + y^2 = R^2, while for a vertical circle it is y^2 + z^2 = R^2. This distinction becomes crucial when considering motion in a gravitational field, as the forces acting on an object differ significantly between the two orientations. Understanding these differences is essential for solving related physics problems effectively. The discussion highlights the need for clarity when addressing concepts related to circular motion.
shaheen
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This is a general question and one that I cannot get an answer for.

What is the difference between the 2?

How do they alter how we approach to solve a problem for each type?

Answers kindly welcomed
 
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There must be more to this question. A circle is a circle. Can you please be more specific in your question?

Welcome to the PF, BTW.
 
berkeman said:
There must be more to this question. A circle is a circle. Can you please be more specific in your question?

Welcome to the PF, BTW.

thanks for the welcome

this doesn't relate (as yet) to a specific mechanics/physics question - I have just come across the terminology whilst doing some reading and wasnt quite sure what they meant by vertical and horizontal circles.

I mean - a circle is a circle but what differntiates a vertical circle from a horizontal one?
 
The direction of your axes?
 
CompuChip said:
The direction of your axes?

Yeah, that's all I can think of without more information. The equations for the two different circles will be different, if they are in the same coordinate system.

x^2 + y^2 = R^2 for horizontal, centered on the origin and parallel to the x/y plane.

y^2 + z^2 = R^2 for vertical, centered on the origin and parallel to the y/z plane.
 
berkeman said:
Yeah, that's all I can think of without more information. The equations for the two different circles will be different, if they are in the same coordinate system.

x^2 + y^2 = R^2 for horizontal, centered on the origin and parallel to the x/y plane.

y^2 + z^2 = R^2 for vertical, centered on the origin and parallel to the y/z plane.

thanks for that, that makes sense

just off to tackle a question dealing with this: regarding motion in a vertical circle

looks easy enough
 
shaheen said:
thanks for that, that makes sense

just off to tackle a question dealing with this: regarding motion in a vertical circle

looks easy enough

Well, now, hold on there. You didn't say anything before about motion in a gravitational field for horizontal and vertical circular paths. There's a big difference between those, right? What would be different about the motion along horizontal and vertical circular paths in a gravitational field?
 
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