Rotate System: Polar vs Tangential & Normal

[Za Kh]

how do we know which system of coordinates to use whether (polar) or (tangential and normal) in case of a rotating system ??

 

[NascentOxygen]

how do we know which system of coordinates to use whether (polar) or (tangential and normal) in case of a rotating system ??

Hi Za Kh. http://img96.imageshack.us/img96/5725/red5e5etimes5e5e45e5e25.gif

You need to be adept at both, and able to convert from one to the other. If you are given most of the quantities in one form you may elect to work in that system.
Good luck with your studies. http://thumbnails112.imagebam.com/37333/0363e9373324851.jpg

 

[Nugatory]

how do we know which system of coordinates to use whether (polar) or (tangential and normal) in case of a rotating system ??

You should choose whichever coordinates make the problem easiest to solve.

For example, you would never use polar coordinates with the origin at the center of the Earth to lay out the foundations of a house - Cartesian coordinates with the origin at one corner are much easier. On the other hand, if you were trying to calculate the orbit of a satellite, the polar coordinates would make the job way easier.

As you practice solving more different and more difficult problems, you will start to develop a sense of which coordinate system is likely to work best for any given problem. If you've ever watched an experienced cabinetmaker at work... He'll have a dozen different handsaws, and somehow he always reaches first for the one that will work best for whatever cut he needs to make. That comes from practice.

 

[Za Kh]

thanks :)

 

[PJC01]

The choice of which coordinate system to use in a rotating system depends on the specific situation and the variables that need to be analyzed. In general, polar coordinates are more suitable for describing circular motion, while tangential and normal coordinates are better for describing linear motion.

If the motion is purely rotational, meaning that the objects are moving in a circular path, then polar coordinates would be the most appropriate choice. This is because polar coordinates are centered around the axis of rotation and can easily describe the distance and angle of an object from this axis.

On the other hand, if the motion involves both rotational and linear components, then tangential and normal coordinates may be more suitable. Tangential coordinates are aligned with the direction of motion, while normal coordinates are perpendicular to the direction of motion. This allows for a more accurate description of the forces and accelerations acting on the object.

Ultimately, the choice of coordinate system should be based on the specific variables and parameters that need to be analyzed in the rotating system. It is important to carefully consider the nature of the motion and the system in order to determine the most appropriate coordinate system to use.