Homework H1.E – Sp 26

Problem statement
Solution video

DISCUSSION THREAD

Discussion and hints:

For the polar description to be used here, the radial unit vector epoints from O toward B. The transverse unit vector eθ is perpendicular to eand points in the direction of increasing angle θ (counterclockwise from eR).

The first time derivative of θ  is given to the the constant ω. Therefore, the second time derivative of θ  is zero. The time derivatives of R are found from direct differentiation of the path equation R = bθ . These results then are used to find the vP and aP in terms of their polar coordinates.

Carefully watch the animation below of the motion of P. As we have seen before, the velocity vector is always tangent to the path, whereas the acceleration vector has both tangent and normal components. The normal component always points inward to the path. Also, as we have seen before, when the angle between vP and aP is less than 90°, the speed of P is increasing. As you can see from the animation below, the speed of P is increasing throughout the entire motion.


Any questions??

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