What does it mean for a particle to be free?

  • Thread starter Thread starter catstevens
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Mean Particle
AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on determining whether particle #1, with a position vector r1(t) = (tx - t^2y)m, is free along the y-direction. It is established that a particle is considered free if it is not subjected to forces, which is indicated by a constant potential or zero acceleration. The position of particle #1 shows that it has a y-component of -t^2, suggesting it experiences acceleration in the y-direction. Consequently, this indicates that particle #1 is not free along the y-direction due to its non-zero acceleration. The conclusion drawn is that particle #1 is indeed affected by forces in the y-direction.
catstevens
Messages
4
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


From an inertial reference frame S, the vector position of a particle of mass
m1 = 1kg is given by r1(t)=(tx-hat - t^2y-hat)m.
The vector position of a particle m2=2m1 is given by r2=(t)=(tx-hat +t^3y-hat)m

Is particle #1 free along the y-direction? Explain



Homework Equations


If the particle is free along the y-direction then the y's would equal to 0.




The Attempt at a Solution



r1= -t^2y
r2=+t^3y
=not free?
(I am actually unsure if my definition of free is true)
 
Physics news on Phys.org
"Free" means "unaffected by forces", or equivalently that the potential is constant. In this case, it means you have to check if it's accelerating in the y-direction or not.
 
Particle #1's motion along the y-direction is -t^2.
Would this mean that it is not free?
 
That's its position at time t. What's its acceleration at time t?
 
Thread 'Voltmeter readings for this circuit with switches'

Thread 'Voltmeter readings for this circuit with switches'

TL;DR Summary: I would like to know the voltmeter readings on the two resistors separately in the picture in the following cases , When one of the keys is closed When both of them are opened (Knowing that the battery has negligible internal resistance) My thoughts for the first case , one of them must be 12 volt while the other is 0 The second case we'll I think both voltmeter readings should be 12 volt since they are both parallel to the battery and they involve the key within what the...
View full post »
Thread 'Trying to understand the logic behind adding vectors with an angle between them'

Thread 'Trying to understand the logic behind adding vectors with an angle between them'

My initial calculation was to subtract V1 from V2 to show that from the perspective of the second aircraft the first one is -300km/h. So i checked with ChatGPT and it said I cant just subtract them because I have an angle between them. So I dont understand the reasoning of it. Like why should a velocity be dependent on an angle? I was thinking about how it would look like if the planes where parallel to each other, and then how it look like if one is turning away and I dont see it. Since...
View full post »

Similar threads

What is the induced magnetic force on this closed current loop?
Replies
12
Views
2K
Two particles moving in a central potential
Replies
1
Views
1K
Particle Uniform circular motion problem
Replies
4
Views
2K
What Angle Causes Particles A and B to Collide?
Replies
3
Views
3K
2D equation for projectile with linear drag force
Replies
9
Views
3K
Uniform circular motion of a particle problem
Replies
5
Views
2K
Assumption on central forces between two particles
Replies
1
Views
1K
Curvilinear Dynamics and forces
Replies
9
Views
2K
Torque acting on a particle in rotational motion
Replies
5
Views
3K
Function for the movement of a charged particle in a B field
Replies
3
Views
1K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top