Finding the Radial Velocity Component of a Point P with Given Velocity Vector v

In summary, the conversation is about determining the radial component of a point's velocity. The formula for this is v_r=vcos(\theta-\alpha) where \theta,\alpha are the angle between the x direction and the radial direction and atan(vx/vy). LateX is mentioned as a tool for writing mathematical equations.
  • #1
matteo86bo
60
0
Hi there,
I'm really ashamed of doing this stupid question but I really need help with this thing. And, even if it's simple, it's not homework.

I have a point P=(x,y,z) with velocity v=(vx,vy,vz)
how can I determine the radial component of the velocity?

My answer is that, [tex]v_r=vcos(\theta-\alpha)[/tex] where [tex]\theta,\alpha[/tex] are the angle between the x direction and the radial direction and atan(vx/vy).

Is this right?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Make the dot product between the unit vector [tex]\frac{1}{\sqrt{x^{2}+y^{2}+z^{2}}}(x,y,z)[/tex] and the velocity vector, and you have the radial component of the velocity.

Hmm..doesn't LateX work todaY?
 
Last edited:
  • #3
thanks arildno,
It was really easy! It's just that sometimes I get confused with this staff.
 

Related to Finding the Radial Velocity Component of a Point P with Given Velocity Vector v

1. What is the radial component of velocity?

The radial component of velocity is the component of an object's velocity that is directed towards or away from a fixed point, also known as the origin. It represents the change in the distance between the object and the origin over time.

2. How is the radial component of velocity calculated?

The radial component of velocity can be calculated using the formula vr = v cosθ, where v is the total velocity of the object and θ is the angle between the object's velocity vector and the line connecting the object to the origin.

3. What is the difference between radial and tangential velocity?

Radial velocity is the component of an object's velocity that is directed towards or away from the origin, while tangential velocity is the component of an object's velocity that is perpendicular to the radial component. In other words, radial velocity represents the change in distance from the origin, while tangential velocity represents the change in direction of the object's motion.

4. How does the radial component of velocity affect circular motion?

In circular motion, the radial component of velocity determines the object's speed and the direction of its motion. As the object moves around the center, the radial component of velocity remains constant, while the tangential component changes. This is what allows the object to maintain a constant distance from the center while still changing direction.

5. Can the radial component of velocity be negative?

Yes, the radial component of velocity can be negative. A negative radial velocity indicates that the object is moving away from the origin, while a positive radial velocity indicates that the object is moving towards the origin.

Similar threads

I Velocity Vector Transformation from Cartesian to Spherical Coordinates
    • Calculus
Replies
2
Views
3K
I Jacobian directional derivative
    • Calculus
Replies
15
Views
3K
MHB Solving Curvilinear Motion: Find Velocity at t=3s
    • Calculus
Replies
11
Views
7K
Calculating Velocity Vector of Object in 2D Space
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
10
Views
1K
A Continuity of a quantity in a conical system to determine the velocity
    • Classical Physics
Replies
0
Views
317
I Orbital maneuver by applying a thrust in the radial direction
    • Classical Physics
2
Replies
62
Views
5K
Am I Calculating the Components of V3 Correctly?
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
2K
A Calc Magnitude of Proper Accel w/ 3-Vectors & 4-Vectors
    • Special and General Relativity
Replies
11
Views
1K
Projectile Motion velocity vector Problem
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
1K
Calculation of the field due to a dipole at an arbitrary point
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top