Circular motion doubt: Angular velocity vector for general planar motion about a point in the plane

In summary, the angular velocity vector in general planar motion about a point in the plane is defined as the vector quantity that describes the rate of rotation of an object around a specified point. This vector is perpendicular to the plane of motion and its magnitude corresponds to the angular speed. The direction of the angular velocity vector follows the right-hand rule, indicating the axis of rotation. The discussion includes the relationship between linear velocity, angular velocity, and the radius of rotation, emphasizing the geometric and physical implications of these concepts in circular motion.
  • #1
tellmesomething
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Homework Statement
Angular velocity vector = f( linear velocity vector , radius vector) for a general planar motion about a point in the plane. Suggest true or FALSE
a) linear velocity vector = angular velocity vector × radius vector.
b) Perpendicular velocity vectors= angular velocity vector × radius vector
Relevant Equations
The answer for the first one is given false and the answer to the second one is given as true.
I thought the opposite should be true since its a general planar motion its not necessary that the magnitude of radius vector is constant so the change in direction and magnitude of radius vector should be generated by the perpendicular velocity vector and parallel velocity vector respectively ? Therefore the whole velocity vector should be taken instead of only the perpendicular component since that Is only responsible for changing direction.... It does make sense mathematically since cross product creates another vector perpendicular to the two vectors taken but I cannot make sense of it physically...
 
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  • #2
tellmesomething said:
Homework Statement: Angular velocity vector = f( linear velocity vector , radius vector) for a general planar motion about a point in the plane. Suggest true or FALSE
a) linear velocity vector = angular velocity vector × radius vector.
b) Perpendicular velocity vectors= angular velocity vector × radius vector
Relevant Equations: The answer for the first one is given false and the answer to the second one is given as true.

I thought the opposite should be true since its a general planar motion its not necessary that the magnitude of radius vector is constant so the change in direction and magnitude of radius vector should be generated by the perpendicular velocity vector and parallel velocity vector respectively ? Therefore the whole velocity vector should be taken instead of only the perpendicular component since that Is only responsible for changing direction.... It does make sense mathematically since cross product creates another vector perpendicular to the two vectors taken but I cannot make sense of it physically...
Consider a radial displacement ##dr## and an angular displacement ##d\theta##, leading to a tangential displacement ##rd\theta##, in time ##dt##. Taking the limit, ##v_r=\frac{dr}{dt}, v_{\theta}=r\frac{d\theta}{dt}##.
E.g., consider the case of a purely radial velocity.
 
  • #3
haruspex said:
Consider a radial displacement ##dr## and an angular displacement ##d\theta##, leading to a tangential displacement ##rd\theta##, in time ##dt##. Taking the limit, ##v_r=\frac{dr}{dt}, v_{\theta}=r\frac{d\theta}{dt}##.
E.g., consider the case of a purely radial velocity.
I am not sure I understand....you say that radius times angular velocity = velocity theta...is velocity theta the perpendicular component of velocity? If so why?
 
  • #4
tellmesomething said:
I am not sure I understand....you say that radius times angular velocity = velocity theta...is velocity theta the perpendicular component of velocity? If so why?
By ##v_{\theta}## I meant the velocity in the tangential direction. Do you understand that the displacement in the tangential direction is ##rd\theta##?
 
  • #5
tellmesomething said:
Yes, such a small displacement becomes equal to the arc length i.e distance so ds=rd(theta). I get that, but I dont get how you get tangential velocity=rd (theta)/dt.
Just divide both sides by dt:
##ds=rd\theta##
##\frac{ds}{dt}=r\frac{d\theta}{dt}##
where ##ds## is the tangential displacement.
 
  • #6
haruspex said:
Just divide both sides by dt:
##ds=rd\theta##
##\frac{ds}{dt}=r\frac{d\theta}{dt}##.
Yes sorry got it. After this we get tangential velocity = r d(theta)/dt but how is this accounting for the change in the radius?
 
  • #7
haruspex said:
Just divide both sides by dt:
##ds=rd\theta##
##\frac{ds}{dt}=r\frac{d\theta}{dt}##
where ##ds## is the tangential displacement.
That's silly of me, it all makes sense sorry for the trivial overlook, thankyou I got it. r * d(theta)/dt is nothing but r times angular velocity. Thankyou again
 
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FAQ: Circular motion doubt: Angular velocity vector for general planar motion about a point in the plane

What is angular velocity in the context of circular motion?

Angular velocity is a vector quantity that represents the rate of rotation of an object around a specific point. It is defined as the angle rotated per unit time and is directed along the axis of rotation, following the right-hand rule. In circular motion, it indicates how quickly an object is moving around a central point.

How is the angular velocity vector calculated for a point moving in a circular path?

The angular velocity vector (\( \vec{\omega} \)) can be calculated using the formula \( \vec{\omega} = \frac{\Delta \theta}{\Delta t} \hat{n} \), where \( \Delta \theta \) is the change in angle in radians, \( \Delta t \) is the change in time, and \( \hat{n} \) is the unit vector along the axis of rotation. For planar motion, the direction of \( \hat{n} \) is perpendicular to the plane of rotation.

What is the significance of the direction of the angular velocity vector?

The direction of the angular velocity vector is crucial as it indicates the axis of rotation and the sense of rotation (clockwise or counterclockwise). According to the right-hand rule, if you curl the fingers of your right hand in the direction of rotation, your thumb points in the direction of the angular velocity vector.

Can angular velocity be constant in general planar motion?

In general planar motion, angular velocity can be constant if the object moves in a uniform circular path. However, if the object experiences changes in speed or direction, the angular velocity may vary, resulting in a non-uniform motion. In such cases, the angular velocity vector will change in magnitude and/or direction.

How does angular velocity relate to linear velocity in circular motion?

Angular velocity is related to linear velocity through the equation \( v = r \omega \), where \( v \) is the linear velocity, \( r \) is the radius of the circular path, and \( \omega \) is the angular velocity. This relationship shows that linear velocity is directly proportional to both the radius of the circular path and the angular velocity of the object.

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