Chapter 13: Problem 4
Is the position of a particle in the \(x y\) -plane at time \(t .\) Find an equation in \(x\) and \(y\) whose graph is the path of the particle. Then find the particle's velocity and acceleration vectors at the given value of \(t\). $$\mathbf{r}(t)=(\cos 2 t) \mathbf{i}+(3 \sin 2 t) \mathbf{j}, \quad t=0$$
Short Answer
Step by step solution
Identify the Parametric Equations
Eliminate Parameter to Find Path Equation
Differentiate to Find the Velocity Vector
Evaluate the Velocity at \( t = 0 \)
Differentiate to Find the Acceleration Vector
Evaluate the Acceleration at \( t = 0 \)
Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!
-
Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
-
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
-
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
-
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.
Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91Ó°ÊÓ!
Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Particle Motion
The parametric equations \( x(t) = \cos 2t \) and \( y(t) = 3 \sin 2t \) tell us how the particle's x and y coordinates change, respectively. These are functions of time \( t \), which acts as the parameter guiding the motion. Essentially, as t varies, the particle traces a certain curve, demonstrating its path or motion through the plane. Understanding this concept is essential for interpreting the behavior of any moving object, especially in physics.
- The path is governed by the parametric equations.
- Knowing \( x(t) \) and \( y(t) \) helps to describe the trajectory.
Velocity Vector
Starting with the position vector \( \mathbf{r}(t) \), we differentiate it with respect to time \( t \) to get the velocity vector \( \mathbf{v}(t) \). For the exercise, the velocity is given by \( \mathbf{v}(t) = (-2 \sin 2t) \mathbf{i} + (6 \cos 2t) \mathbf{j} \).
To find the velocity at a specific time, such as \( t = 0 \), substitute \( t = 0 \) into \( \mathbf{v}(t) \). Here, it simplifies to \( 6 \mathbf{j} \), indicating that the particle is moving upward along the y-axis at that instant.
- Velocity combines speed and direction.
- Calculating the derivative of the position vector yields velocity.
Acceleration Vector
To determine the acceleration vector, differentiate the velocity vector with respect to time. In this case, the given velocity \( \mathbf{v}(t) = -2 \sin 2t \mathbf{i} + 6 \cos 2t \mathbf{j} \) is differentiated to yield the acceleration vector \( \mathbf{a}(t) = (-4 \cos 2t) \mathbf{i} - (12 \sin 2t) \mathbf{j} \).
Evaluating this at \( t = 0 \), we find \( \mathbf{a}(0) = -4 \mathbf{i} \), showing that at this instant, the particle experiences a leftward force in the x-direction.
- Acceleration shows changes in velocity.
- It's found by differentiating the velocity vector.
Ellipse Equation
To find this path, the parameter \( t \) must be eliminated. Starting with \( x = \cos 2t \) and \( y = 3 \sin 2t \), and knowing that \( \sin^2 2t + \cos^2 2t = 1 \), substitute \( \sin 2t = \frac{y}{3} \) into the identity. It simplifies to \( \frac{y^2}{9} + x^2 = 1 \), the equation of an ellipse. The formula highlights the path of the particle without referring to time \( t \).
Recognizing this relationship is fundamental when examining motion along elliptical paths.
- Ellipse equations trace paths when parameters are eliminated.
- They reveal trajectories independent of time.