What is the direction of radial velocity using the right-hand rule?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the direction of radial velocity in relation to angular velocity and the application of the right-hand rule. It touches on concepts from rigid body dynamics and the relationship between angular frequency and radial motion.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether to move the right hand from the angular frequency vector to the radius vector or the opposite when determining the direction of radial velocity.
  • Another participant asserts that radial velocity is always in the plane of motion and directed towards or away from the center, indicating that the right-hand rule is not applicable in this context.
  • A participant references the equation for linear velocity in rigid body dynamics, suggesting that the right-hand rule can be applied by pointing fingers in the direction of angular velocity and curling them towards the position vector.
  • Another participant acknowledges the previous point about the equation and expresses appreciation for the clarification.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the applicability of the right-hand rule to radial velocity, with some asserting it is not relevant while others suggest it can be used in conjunction with the equation for linear velocity.

Contextual Notes

The discussion involves assumptions about the definitions of radial velocity and angular velocity, as well as the context in which the right-hand rule is applied. There are unresolved aspects regarding the interpretation of these concepts.

rohit199622
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when we need to find the direction of radial velocity should we move our right hand from the omega (angular frequency) vector to the radius vector ?or opposite ?
 
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rohit199622 said:
when we need to find the direction of radial velocity should we move our right hand from the omega (angular frequency) vector to the radius vector ?or opposite ?

Radial velocity is always in the plane of motion and pointing directly towards or away from the center according to whether the distance from the center is increasing or decreasing. There's no right-hand rule involved; that only comes into play when you're calculating vector cross-products such as the angular momentum.
 
I believe rohit is referring to the following equation from rigid body dynamics: ##\mathbf{v} = \boldsymbol{\omega}\times \mathbf{r}##. In this case, if you want to use the right-hand rule, you would point your fingers in the direction of the angular velocity and curl them towards the position vector.
 
WannabeNewton said:
I believe rohit is referring to the following equation from rigid body dynamics: ##\mathbf{v} = \boldsymbol{\omega}\times \mathbf{r}##.

Ah - yes, that makes more sense. Thanks for the catch.
 
wannabeNewton said:
i believe rohit is referring to the following equation from rigid body dynamics: ##\mathbf{v} = \boldsymbol{\omega}\times \mathbf{r}##. In this case, if you want to use the right-hand rule, you would point your fingers in the direction of the angular velocity and curl them towards the position vector.

thanks a lot !
 

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