Is Δθ in a circle equal to the angle in a velocity vectors triangle?

In summary, the conversation discusses the relationship between Δθ in a circle and the angle in a velocity vectors triangle. The participants explore this concept by moving r' just a bit from r and considering the change in angle between the velocity vectors. They also discuss the use of 90 degree rotations and how it relates to the angle between r and v. There is also a clarification on the vector diagram and a reminder of the formula for Δv.
  • #1
Hardikph
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science2.PNG

How is Δθ in circle equals to angle in velocity vectors triangle?
I tried using simple geometry but I can't.
 
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  • #2
Try this:

What if r' were right on top of r? What is the angle between them? What is the angle between the velocity vectors?

Now move r' just a bit, an angle Δθ from r. How does the angle between the velocity vectors change?
 
  • #5
Its because they are angles that have sides vertical to each other. r' is vertical to v' and r is vertical to v so the angle of (r',r) equals the angle of (v',v).
 
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  • #6
Delta2 and Clara I appreciate your explanation but can you please describe some '90 degree usage'.
 
  • #7
Another way to look at it: Realize that the velocity vectors are always 90° rotated compared to the r vectors. So if the angle that an r vector makes with the x-axis is θ, then the corresponding velocity vector must make an angle of θ + 90°.
 
  • #8
Hardikph said:
Delta2 and Clara I appreciate your explanation but can you please describe some '90 degree usage'.

In the photo, θ+a = 90..(1) , a+b=90...(2), (1)-(2), θ=b , so it proves your statement "Δθ in circle equals to angle in velocity vectors triangle".
I hope it helps.
 
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  • #9
Hardikph said:

One other point: the vector diagram on the right does not correspond to the vectors shown on the left.
Recall that ##\Delta \vec{v} = \vec{v}'-\vec{v}##. You also seem to have swapped the ##\vec{v}'## and the ##\vec{v}## in the diagram.
 
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FAQ: Is Δθ in a circle equal to the angle in a velocity vectors triangle?

What is uniform circular motion?

Uniform circular motion is a type of motion in which an object moves in a circular path at a constant speed. This means that the object covers the same distance in the same amount of time, resulting in a constant velocity.

What causes an object to undergo uniform circular motion?

An object undergoes uniform circular motion when it is acted upon by a centripetal force, which is directed towards the center of the circular path. This force is necessary to continuously change the direction of the object's velocity, keeping it in circular motion.

How is uniform circular motion different from non-uniform circular motion?

In uniform circular motion, the speed of the object remains constant, while in non-uniform circular motion, the speed changes throughout the circular path. This means that the object's velocity is also changing in non-uniform circular motion, while it remains constant in uniform circular motion.

Can an object undergo uniform circular motion without a force acting on it?

No, an object cannot undergo uniform circular motion without a force acting on it. As mentioned earlier, a centripetal force is necessary to continuously change the direction of the object's velocity and keep it in circular motion. Without this force, the object would move in a straight line.

What are some examples of uniform circular motion?

Some examples of uniform circular motion include the motion of a satellite in orbit around a planet, the motion of a car around a roundabout, and the motion of a spinning top. Any object that moves in a circular path at a constant speed can be considered an example of uniform circular motion.

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