Math Problem Statement

The particle p travels along a spiral path as illustrated in Fig. 2. Please answer questions 6, 7, and 8. Determine the cylindrical coordinates when the particle is at 𝑟𝑝=3.25𝑖+7.14𝑗+12.23𝑘

Solution

To determine the cylindrical coordinates when the particle is at the position given by the vector rp=3.25i+7.14j+12.23k\mathbf{r}_p = 3.25\mathbf{i} + 7.14\mathbf{j} + 12.23\mathbf{k}, we can convert the Cartesian coordinates to cylindrical coordinates.

Step 1: Identify Cartesian Coordinates

From the vector rp\mathbf{r}_p:

  • x=3.25x = 3.25
  • y=7.14y = 7.14
  • z=12.23z = 12.23

Step 2: Convert to Cylindrical Coordinates

Cylindrical coordinates (r,θ,z)(r, \theta, z) are related to Cartesian coordinates (x,y,z)(x, y, z) as follows:

  • r=x2+y2r = \sqrt{x^2 + y^2}
  • θ=tan1(yx)\theta = \tan^{-1}\left(\frac{y}{x}\right)
  • z=zz = z

Calculate rr:

r=(3.25)2+(7.14)2=10.5625+50.9796=61.54217.84r = \sqrt{(3.25)^2 + (7.14)^2} = \sqrt{10.5625 + 50.9796} = \sqrt{61.5421} \approx 7.84

Calculate θ\theta:

θ=tan1(7.143.25)=tan1(2.197)1.15 radians\theta = \tan^{-1}\left(\frac{7.14}{3.25}\right) = \tan^{-1}(2.197) \approx 1.15 \text{ radians}

The zz coordinate remains the same:

z=12.23z = 12.23

Step 3: Summary of Cylindrical Coordinates

The cylindrical coordinates of the particle when it is at rp=3.25i+7.14j+12.23k\mathbf{r}_p = 3.25\mathbf{i} + 7.14\mathbf{j} + 12.23\mathbf{k} are approximately: (r,θ,z)(7.84,1.15,12.23)(r, \theta, z) \approx (7.84, 1.15, 12.23)

Would you like to explore any additional details or have further questions?


Further Questions to Consider:

  1. How would the cylindrical coordinates change if the particle were at a different position along the spiral?
  2. What is the physical significance of the angle θ\theta in cylindrical coordinates?
  3. How does the cylindrical coordinate system simplify the analysis of helical or spiral paths?
  4. If the particle moved to a new position, how would you update the cylindrical coordinates?
  5. How can you find the velocity and acceleration components in cylindrical coordinates?
  6. What is the relationship between cylindrical and spherical coordinates for this position?
  7. How does the zz-coordinate in cylindrical coordinates relate to the Cartesian zz?
  8. How does the cylindrical coordinate system help in understanding rotational motion around the z-axis?

Tip: When converting between coordinate systems, ensure that you use the correct quadrant for the angle θ\theta, particularly when working with arctangents.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Vector Geometry
Coordinate Systems

Formulas

Cartesian to Cylindrical Coordinates Conversion

Theorems

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Suitable Grade Level

Advanced High School