When does the particle first cross the negative x axis?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a particle's motion described by a position equation involving angular velocity (omega) and radius (R). Participants are exploring when the particle first crosses the negative x-axis, as well as deriving expressions for velocity, speed, and acceleration in terms of these variables.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to understand the relationship between angular velocity and the components of motion in the x and y directions. There is confusion about how to determine when the particle crosses the negative x-axis and whether to substitute values directly into the equations.
  • Some participants suggest using differentiation to find velocity and acceleration, while others raise questions about the radius and its role in the equations.
  • There is mention of a trigonometric identity that may be relevant to the problem, indicating an exploration of mathematical relationships.

Discussion Status

Some guidance has been provided regarding the use of differentiation to derive velocity and acceleration. Participants are actively questioning assumptions about the radius and its representation in the equations. Multiple interpretations of the problem are being explored, particularly concerning the particle's trajectory and the mathematical expressions involved.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the original problem lacks clarity regarding the radius and the specific form of the position equation. There is also mention of a picture that some users cannot access, which may contain critical information for solving the problem.

HeLLz aNgeL
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Suppose that a particle's position is given by the expression in the attachment


Explain:
1. When does the particle first cross the negative x axis?

2. Find the particle's velocity as a function of time. Express your answer using unit vectors.(e.g., A i_unit+ B j_unit, where A and B are functions of omega, R, t, and pi).

3. Find the speed of the particle at time t. Express your answer in terms of some or all of the variables.

4. Find the speed of the particle at time t. Express your answer in terms of some or all of the variables omega, R, and pi.

5. Now find the acceleration of the particle. Express your answer using unit vectors (e.g., A i_unit+ B j_unit, where A and B are functions of omega, R, t, and pi).

6. Your calculation is actually a derivation of the centripetal acceleration. To see this, express the acceleration of the particle in terms of its position r_vec(t).
Express your answer in terms of some or all of the variables r_vec(t) and omega.




ok, i know that omega gives you the angular velocity, but i don't understand how that factors into the "i" and "j" equations... are they the x, and y-axis components ? if they are do i have to plug in values one-by-one to check when it crosses the negetive x-asis ?

i'm confused !
 

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HeLLz aNgeL said:
Suppose that a particle's position is given by the expression in the attachment


Explain:
1. When does the particle first cross the negative x axis?

2. Find the particle's velocity as a function of time. Express your answer using unit vectors.(e.g., A i_unit+ B j_unit, where A and B are functions of omega, R, t, and pi).

3. Find the speed of the particle at time t. Express your answer in terms of some or all of the variables.

4. Find the speed of the particle at time t. Express your answer in terms of some or all of the variables omega, R, and pi.

5. Now find the acceleration of the particle. Express your answer using unit vectors (e.g., A i_unit+ B j_unit, where A and B are functions of omega, R, t, and pi).

6. Your calculation is actually a derivation of the centripetal acceleration. To see this, express the acceleration of the particle in terms of its position r_vec(t).
Express your answer in terms of some or all of the variables r_vec(t) and omega.




ok, i know that omega gives you the angular velocity, but i don't understand how that factors into the "i" and "j" equations... are they the x, and y-axis components ? if they are do i have to plug in values one-by-one to check when it crosses the negetive x-asis ?

i'm confused !


I am sorry,but i am not able to see the picture.
 
It'll cross the x-axis when omega*time is equal to pi, if that helps
 
FedEx said:
I am sorry,but i am not able to see the picture.

there was no picture, just the equation i attached in the first post..
 
HeLLz aNgeL said:
there was no picture, just the equation i attached in the first post..

I know that there is just an equation but i am not even able to see that.And by the way for posting equations try using latex.
 
i am seeing the picture,

and have similar questions to ask, mostly what type of circle would this represent at t= 0?

An ellipse, or circle, in positive y or x direction?Also if no one can see the formula its:

r(->) = Rcos(omega*time)(i^) + Rsin(omega*time)(j^)
 
Ok,I am sure that you people would be knowing differentiation.

For the first question the answer has already been given by someone.

For the second, the answer would be obtained by taking the time derivative of the equation which you already have.

For the fifth take the time derivative of the equation you are getting after solving the second question.

For the third and the fourth i think that there is some problem but still you can solve it by the scalar relations given as follows

[tex]v[/tex] = [tex]r\omega[/tex]

and

[tex]t\omega[/tex] = [tex]\theta[/tex].

Moreover while differentiating the equations you can treat [tex]t\omega[/tex] = [tex]\theta[/tex]
 
FedEx said:
For the third and the fourth i think that there is some problem but still you can solve it by the scalar relations given as follows

[tex]v[/tex] = [tex]r\omega[/tex]

but what would r be ?
 
HeLLz aNgeL said:
but what would r be ?

Sorry. Its the radius. I must have written it as R and not r.
 
  • #10
but we don't have the radius anyhwere in the question ??

fubag: check your pm...
 
  • #11
HeLLz aNgeL said:
but we don't have the radius anyhwere in the question ??

fubag: check your pm...

The question is asking to define in terms of omega and radius and all.And in the equation which you have written what is R? It is the radius.
 
  • #12
does this then mean:

v = sqrt. ( (-Rwsinx)^2 + (Rwcosx)^2)

where x is equal to theta?

i also noticed that they told us a hint to look for an important trig identity.

im assuming it will most likely be (sinx)^2 + (cosx)^2= 1.
Sorry, I got it, never mind.
 
Last edited:
  • #13
having difficulty with one more part:

Finally, express the magnitude of the particle's acceleration in terms of R and v using the expression you obtained for the speed of the particle.I am getting a = v*omega...but this isn't right it seems.

It says to express in terms of R and v (speed function of the particle)

I know that a(t) = Rw^2
and that v(t) = Rw

now if I relate them to each other shouldn't I get = v*w...?

this doesn't work however.Never mind, I got it... sorry.
 
Last edited:

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