Homework Help: Why generalized force equals to zero?

1. Feb 29, 2016

harmyder

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

Lecturer says that:
Generalized Coordinate: θ = q1
Generalized Force: Q1 = 0

I don't understand why Q1 equals to zero.

2. Relevant equations
$Q_i = \sum_j \underline F_j \frac{\delta \underline r_j}{\delta q_i}$

3. The attempt at a solution
First i need to find partial derivatives:
$\frac{\delta \hat x}{\delta q_1} = \frac{\delta \theta r}{\delta \theta}= r$ (i have lost vector here, but i don't know where to put it in $\theta r$)
$\frac{\delta \hat y}{\delta q_1} = \frac{\delta r}{\delta \theta} = 0$ (same here)

Now forces at x and y directions:
$F_x \frac{\delta \hat x}{\delta q_1} = -F + m\bf g \sin\psi$
$F_y \frac{\delta \hat y}{\delta q_1} = N - m\bf g \cos\psi$

$Q_1 = r (-\bf F + m\bf g \sin\psi)$ is it zero?

2. Feb 29, 2016

drvrm

what are F and N ?
if they are forces acting on the body and if its frictional and normal reaction forces then check its values ?

3. Feb 29, 2016

harmyder

Friction and reaction forces. You can see it form the image.

4. Feb 29, 2016

drvrm

then the magnitude of N should be equal to the component of weight in the direction of normal to the inclined plane and something similar for F .
what is the equation of motion in generalized coordinate , generalized velocities and time-.......what is the advantage of such a description?
see
Although there may be many choices for generalized coordinates for a physical system, parameters which are convenient are usually selected for the specification of the configuration of the system and which make the solution of its equations of motion easier. If these parameters are independent of one another, the number of independent generalized coordinates is defined by the number of degrees of freedom of the system.

5. Feb 29, 2016

harmyder

My question is why Q1 equals to zero, i'm aware of how to choose generalized coordinates. Thanks.

6. Feb 29, 2016

drvrm

Actually generalized forces are transformed from the transformation relations operating between the two sets of coordinates - If a generalized potential can be defined. in that situation a constant potential will mean generalized forces to be zero - in your case the constraining equation is of the type say dx - r. d(theta) =0
In using Lagrangian method the forces of constraint do not appear as the virtual displacements are such that they are consistent with the forces of constraint.
What is the transformation equation of coordinates in your example?

7. Feb 29, 2016

harmyder

So, x = r*theta and y = r.

8. Feb 29, 2016

drvrm

as r is a constant only theta is your generalized coordinate with variation
so delta/delta(theta) = d/dx. dx/dtheta + d/dy. dy/d(theta)

Q(theta) = F(x).r =0

9. Feb 29, 2016

harmyder

Sorry, could you please use itex tag, it is hard to understand your equations. Thanks.