Motion Descriptors in Three Dimensions
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Razel C. AlvarezMotion Descriptors in Three Dimensions
Uploaded by
Razel C. Alvarez10/11/23, 7:35 AM Motion Descriptors in Three Dimensions
Unit 4: Motion in Two Dimensions
Lesson 4.2
Motion Descriptors in Three Dimensions
Contents
Introduction 1
Learning Objectives 2
Warm Up 2
Learn about It! 4
Position Vectors 4
Velocity Vectors 6
Independence of Motion 15
Acceleration Vector 15
Parallel and Perpendicular Components of Acceleration 23
Key Points 25
Key Formulas 26
Check Your Understanding 29
Challenge Yourself 32
Bibliography 33
Key to Try It! 34
Unit 4: Motion in Two Dimensions
Lesson 4.2
Motion Descriptors in Three
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Unit 4: Motion in Two Dimensions
Lesson 4.2
Motion Descriptors in Three
Dimensions
Introduction
In the past lesson, you learned about motion inoneortwodimensions.Itiseasiertodrive
a car on a freeway since it is limited to one or two dimensions. However, stability and
control for airplanes are much more complicated since they can freely move in three
dimensions. Airplanes can rotate in a front-to-back axis, side-to-side axis, or around a
vertical axis. You can also think of it as three imaginary linespassingthroughtheairplane,
which intersect at right angles. Motions in these dimensionsshouldbecarefullycontrolled
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Unit 4: Motion in Two Dimensions
and maintained by the pilot. In this lesson, you will learn about how the different motion
descriptors are defined in three dimensions.
Learning Objectives DepEd Competency
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which intersect at right angles. Motions in these dimensionsshouldbecarefullycontrolled
4.2. Motion Descriptors in Three Dimensions 1
Unit 4: Motion in Two Dimensions
and maintained by the pilot. In this lesson, you will learn about how the different motion
descriptors are defined in three dimensions.
Learning Objectives DepEd Competency
In this lesson, you should be able to do the Extend the definition of position,
velocity, and acceleration to 2D and
following:
3D using vector representation
● Define position, velocity, and (STEM_GP12KIN-Ic21).
acceleration in three dimensions.
● Use vectors to represent the position
and velocity of an object in three
dimensions.
● Solve problems involving position,
velocity, and acceleration vectors in
two to three dimensions.
Warm Up
Ladybug Motion in 2D 10 minutes
In this activity, you will review the motion descriptors in one and two dimensions.
Materials
● laptop/tablet/phone
● paper
● pen or pencil
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Unit 4: Motion in Two Dimensions
Procedure
1. Download the PhET simulation using the link below:
Ladybug Motion 2D
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Procedure
1. Download the PhET simulation using the link below:
Ladybug Motion 2D
University of Colorado Boulder, <Ladybug Motion 2D,= PhET
Interactive Simulations,
https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/ladybug-motion-2d,
last accessed on March 17 2020.
2. Begin by enabling the following options: <Show both= for Vectors, <Manual= for
Choose Motion, <Line= for Trace, and <Position= for Remote Control, as shown inFig.
4.2.1.
Fig. 4.2.1. Ladybug in motion 2D simulation
3. Move the ladybug manually and observe how the vectors change.
4. Try also the <Velocity= and <Acceleration= for Remote Control. Observe how the
vectors change as well.
5. Try the linear, circular, and the elliptical motion options. Observe how the velocity
and the acceleration changes for each motion.
6. Answer the guide questions below with your seatmate and write your answers on a
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piece of paper. Make sure to discuss your observations.
Guide Questions
1. What happens to the velocity and acceleration vectors as you move the ladybug
manually? Describe in detail
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6. Answer the guide questions below with your seatmate and write your answers on a
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Unit 4: Motion in Two Dimensions
piece of paper. Make sure to discuss your observations.
Guide Questions
1. What happens to the velocity and acceleration vectors as you move the ladybug
manually? Describe in detail.
2. How did the velocityandaccelerationchangewhen youallowtheladybugtomovein
a linear motion? in a circular motion? in an elliptical motion?
3. How will you describe the direction of the velocity and acceleration vectors with
respect to the ladybug’s position in a circular motion?
Learn about It!
In the past lessons you learned about motion descriptors in one and two dimensions. We
can extend these concepts into three dimensions in the following sections.
How do you dene position, velocity, and
acceleration in three dimensions?
Position Vectors
In describing a three dimensional motion, the three coordinates x, y, and z are utilized to
locate a particle at a specific point. In this case, the position vector of a particlepointP
would be P (x, y, z), as shown inFig.4.2.2.Whentheparticleisinmotion,allthesevariables
x, y, andzwillbefunctionsoftime(t).Rememberthatinthepastlesson,theunitvectors
, , and correspond to the coordinate axes x, y, z, respectively. Usingtheseconcepts,
the position vector is expressed as:
Equation 4.2.1
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Fig. 4.2.2. The components of position vector in three dimensions
In Equation 4.2.1, the coefficients x, y, and z indicate the location of a particle in the
coordinate system relative to the origin. As the particle moves, the position vector always
changes and extends from the particle to the origin.
You learned in the past lessons that displacement is the changeinpositionofaparticleor
an object. When a particle moves from position P 1 with a position vector to P2 with a
position vector ,atatimeintervalΔt,thechangeinpositionordisplacementisexpressed
as:
or Equation 4.2.2
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Velocity Vectors
The average velocity at a given time interval is similar to how we deal with the
average velocity in one dimension, as illustrated in Fig. 4.2.3. It can be expressed as the
change in position vector divided by the time interval as shown by:
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Velocity Vectors
The average velocity at a given time interval is similar to how we deal with the
average velocity in one dimension, as illustrated in Fig. 4.2.3. It can be expressed as the
change in position vector divided by the time interval as shown by:
Fig. 4.2.3. Average velocity is the change in position vector per time interval
This expression can be expanded depending on the components of the given position
vector.
In the past lesson, you learned that instantaneous velocityisthevelocityofanobjectora
particle ataspecificinstant.Thisoccursastimeinterval approacheszeroatthatinstant.
In the limit , the average velocity approaches the instantaneous velocity .
Instantaneous velocity in two or three dimensions is also expressed similar to one
dimensional motion. The main difference is that both the position and instantaneous
velocity are vectors. It can be expressed as:
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y p
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The magnitudeoftheinstantaneousvelocity isequivalenttothespeed,whileitsdirection
is given by the direction in whichthe particleismoving atthatspecificinstant.Thedirection
of the instantaneous velocity ofanyparticleisalwaystangent tothepathoftheparticle
at specific particle’s position. When illustrated using an arrow, its tail represents the
direction of travel of a particle, while its length represents the magnitude, as shown in Fig.
4.2.4.
Fig. 4.2.4. Velocity of a particle
Remember
The direction ofinstantaneousvelocityisalwaystangenttothepath
of the particle’s position.
Instantaneous velocity can be divided into its components. It is expressed in terms of unit
vectors as:
Equation 4.2.3
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The same equation can also be obtained by getting the derivative of Equation 4.2.1. The
unit vectors are not dependent on time, therefore, their derivatives are zero. It can also be
expressed in terms of unit vectors.
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Equation 4.2.3
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The same equation can also be obtained by getting the derivative of Equation 4.2.1. The
unit vectors are not dependent on time, therefore, their derivatives are zero. It can also be
expressed in terms of unit vectors.
The scalar components are given by:
The magnitude of the instantaneous velocity is simply the speed of the object. It can be
calculated using the Pythagorean theorem using the components of the speed.
How will you dene position and velocity vectors in
three dimensions?
Let’s Practice!
Example 1
A dog runs across an open field. The coordinates (in meters) of the dog’s position as
function of time t (in seconds) are given by
x = 0.40t 2 + 6.5t + 30
y = 0.11t2 8.5t + 25
(a) What is the dog’s position vector at t = 10 s in vector notation?
(b) What is the magnitude of this position vector?
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Unit 4: Motion in Two Dimensions
Solution
Step 1: Identify what is required in the problem.
You are asked to calculate the dog’s position vector in vector notation and the
magnitude of the position vector.
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(b) What is the magnitude of this position vector?
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Solution
Step 1: Identify what is required in the problem.
You are asked to calculate the dog’s position vector in vector notation and the
magnitude of the position vector.
Step 2: Identify the given in the problem.
The coordinates of the dog’s position as a function of time are given.
Step 3: Write the working equation.
The position vector of the dog as a function of time is given by:
To determine the magnitude of the position vector, use the Pythagorean theorem.
Step 4: Substitute the given values.
At t = 10 s, the components are:
To solve the magnitude of the position vector:
Step 5: Find the answer.
The position vector in vector notation is . The magnitude
of the position vector is 74 m.
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Unit 4: Motion in Two Dimensions
1 Try It!
What is the (a) position vector in vector notation and (b) magnitude of the position
vector of a particle at t = 2.5 s? The coordinates of the particle’s position (in meters)
as function of time are as follows:
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1 Try It!
What is the (a) position vector in vector notation and (b) magnitude of the position
vector of a particle at t = 2.5 s? The coordinates of the particle’s position (in meters)
as function of time are as follows:
x = 5t2 3.2t + 15
y = 2t2 4.2t + 5
z = 0.5t 2 + 6t 10
Example 2
What is theinstantaneousvelocity ofthedoginvectornotationinLet’sPractice!Example1
at time t = 10 s?
Solution
Step 1: Identify what is required in the problem.
You are asked to calculate the instantaneous velocity of the dog in vector
notation.
Step 2: Identify the given in the problem.
The coordinates of the dog’s position as a function of time are given.
Step 3: Write the working equation.
The determine the velocity in vector notation, calculate the first derivative of the
given components using:
Step 4: Substitute the given values.
Determine the first derivative of the x and y-components.
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S b tit t t 10 t th d t f l it
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Substitute t=10 s to the x- and y-components of velocity.
Step 5: Find the answer.
The instantaneous velocity of the dog in vector notation is
.
2 Try It!
Find the velocity of a particle in vector notation at t = 3 s if the coordinates of the
particle’s position (in meters) as a function of time are given as:
x = 0.5t2 + 2.5t + 5
y = 0.8t 2 + 3t + 4.5
z = 0.6t 2 9t 10
Example 3
A car, represented as a particle, has the following components (in meters) as a function of
time (in seconds).
x = 2.1t2 4.3t + 10
y = 0.9t2 + 8t 5
z = 3.5t 2 2.5t 15
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Unit 4: Motion in Two Dimensions
(a) What is the position vector in vector notation form, and the magnitude of the
position of the car at time t = 20 s?
(b) What is the velocity of the car in vector notation form at t = 20 s?
(c) What is the magnitude of the velocity vector at t = 20 s?
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(a) What is the position vector in vector notation form, and the magnitude of the
position of the car at time t = 20 s?
(b) What is the velocity of the car in vector notation form at t = 20 s?
(c) What is the magnitude of the velocity vector at t = 20 s?
Solution
Step 1: Identify what is required in the problem.
You are asked to calculate the position vector in vector notation form, magnitude
of the position vector, velocity of the car in vector notation form, and the
magnitude of the velocity vector.
Step 2: Identify the given in the problem.
The components of the car’s position are given.
Step 3: Write the working equation.
The position vector of the dog as a function of time is given by:
To determine the magnitude of the position vector, use the Pythagorean theorem.
To determine the velocity in vector notation, calculate the first derivative of the
given components as:
To determine the magnitude of the velocity , use
.
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Step 4: Substitute the given values.
At t = 20 s, the components of the position vector are:
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Unit 4: Motion in Two Dimensions
Step 4: Substitute the given values.
At t = 20 s, the components of the position vector are:
For the magnitude of the position vector:
The first derivative of the x, y, and z-components are:
Substitute t = 20 s to the components of the velocity.
For the magnitude of the velocity vector, use
.
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Step 5: Find the answer.
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Step 5: Find the answer.
The position vector of the car in vector notation is
. The magnitude of the position vector is
1551.76 m. The velocity of the car in vector notation is
. The magnitude of the velocity
vector is 161.38 m/s.
3 Try It!
The components of a the position of a moving particle (in meters) as a function of
time (in seconds) are given by
x = 10t2 + 0.5t + 10
y = 5t2 + 6.1t 10
z = 0.3t2 9t + 20
(a) What is the position vector in vector notation form, and the magnitude of
the position of the car at time t = 0.5 s?
(b) What is the velocity of the car in vector notation form at t = 0.5 s?
(c) What is the magnitude of the velocity vector at t = 0.5 s?
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Unit 4: Motion in Two Dimensions
Independence of Motion
Notice that in both position and velocity vectors, the components areseparatefunctionsof
time. Itmeansthatamotionalongthex-axishasnoeffectonthe motionoftheobjectalong
the y- and z-axes. Thus, the motion of the object can be divided into separate components
l h di di t i
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Independence of Motion
Notice that in both position and velocity vectors, the components areseparatefunctionsof
time. Itmeansthatamotionalongthex-axishasnoeffectonthe motionoftheobjectalong
the y- and z-axes. Thus, the motion of the object can be divided into separate components
along each corresponding coordinate axis.
Forexample,apersonwalksfrompointA topointB.FrompointA,herpathincludesseveral
meters in the north direction, then another few meters to the east direction to reachpoint
B. Her motion along the north direction is independent of her motion along the east
direction. These independence of motion will be deemed useful in discussing free-fall and
projectile motions in the next lessons.
Acceleration Vector
In one-dimensional motion, we describeacceleration as thechangeinvelocityofaparticle
divided by the unit time. It is characterized by the changes in the magnitude ofthevelocity
and the changes in the directionofvelocity.Supposeaparticlehasavelocityof att1and
at t2. During the time interval t2 - t 1( ), thechangeinvelocityisgivenby (
). Using these variables, the average acceleration can be expressed as:
In the same way, instantaneous acceleration is given by:
This occurs when the object at point P2 approaches point P1, wherein Δt approaches zero.
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Unit 4: Motion in Two Dimensions
When dealing with acceleration in three dimensions, acceleration vector can be
expressed in terms of unit vectors, as shown in Equation 4.2.4. It is also similar to the
derivative of the components of velocity as a function of time.
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When dealing with acceleration in three dimensions, acceleration vector can be
expressed in terms of unit vectors, as shown in Equation 4.2.4. It is also similar to the
derivative of the components of velocity as a function of time.
or
Equation 4.2.4
The scalar components are given by:
Remember that velocity is the first derivative of the position vector as a function of time.
Hence, we can express acceleration as the second derivative of their corresponding
components as shown below:
How will you dene acceleration in three
dimensions?
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Unit 4: Motion in Two Dimensions
Let’s Practice!
Example 4
Using the given components of velocity in Let’s Practice! Example 2 calculate the acceleration
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Let’s Practice!
Example 4
Using the given components ofvelocityinLet’sPractice!Example2,calculatetheacceleration
in vector notation form at t = 5 s.
Solution
Step 1: Identify what is required in the problem.
You are asked to calculate the acceleration of the dog in vector notation form.
Step 2: Identify the given in the problem.
The components of the dog’s velocity are given.
Step 3: Write the working equation.
The acceleration vector can be determined by calculating the first derivative of the
components of the velocity:
Step 4: Substitute the given values.
To find the x-component of , use
.
To find the y-component of , use
.
Step 5: Find the answer.
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The acceleration vector in vector notation form is
.
4 T It!
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The acceleration vector in vector notation form is
.
4 Try It!
What is the acceleration vector in the vector notation form of a particle if the
components of its velocity vector are given as v x = 5t 10.2, vy = 2.5t + 6.2, and
v z = 0.75t 3.1?
Example 5
The components of an object’s position (in meters) as functions of time (in seconds) are
given by the following:
x = 5t2 + 3.1t 6
y = 0.4t2 8.2t 3.5
z = 1.5t 2 + 7t 2.8
(a) What is the acceleration of the object in vector notation form?
(b) What is the magnitude of the object’s acceleration?
Solution
Step 1: Identify what is required in the problem.
You are asked to calculate the acceleration in vector notation form and the
magnitude of the object’s acceleration.
Step 2: Identify the given in the problem.
The components of the object’s position are given.
Step 3: Write the working equation.
Since the position vectors are given, the acceleration vector can be determined by
calculating the second derivative of the components of the position vector.
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The magnitude of the acceleration vector can be determined using the
Pythagorean theorem.
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The magnitude of the acceleration vector can be determined using the
Pythagorean theorem.
Step 4: Substitute the given values.
Calculate the second derivative of the position vectors.
To calculate the magnitude of the acceleration vector:
Step 5: Find the answer.
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The acceleration vector in terms of notation vector is
. The magnitude of the
acceleration is 10.47 m/s2.
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The acceleration vector in terms of notation vector is
. The magnitude of the
acceleration is 10.47 m/s2.
5 Try It!
Find the acceleration vector in vector notation form as well as its magnitude at t =
2 s. The following components of the velocity vector (in m/s) as a function of time are
given:
vx= 6.5t2 0.6t + 10
v y= 9.1t2 + 2t 5
v z= 0.8t2 + 0.9t 2
Example 6
A vehicle used to explore thesurfaceofMarshasthefollowingx-,y-andz-coordinatesthat
vary with time
x = 6.5 m (0.45 m/s 2)t2
y = (2.5 m/s)t (0.30 m/s2 )t2
z = (1.5 m/s)t + (0.25 m/s3)t3
(a) Find the components of the average acceleration for the interval t = 0.0 s to t = 3.0 s.
(b) Find the instantaneous acceleration at t = 3.0 s.
(c) Find the magnitude of the acceleration at t = 3.0 s.
Solution
Step 1: Identify what is required in the problem.
You are asked to calculate the components of the average acceleration, the
instantaneous acceleration at t = 3.0 s, and the magnitude of the acceleration.
Step 2: Identify the given in the problem.
The components of the position vector are given as well as the time interval.
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Step 3: Write the working equation.
To get the components of the average acceleration, use
.
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Step 3: Write the working equation.
To get the components of the average acceleration, use
.
To calculate the instantaneous acceleration, use
.
To determine the magnitude of the acceleration, use
.
Step 4: Substitute the given values.
To identify the components of the average acceleration, the components of the
instantaneous velocity at any time t should be determined by calculating the first
derivative of the position vectors.
Find the components of the velocity at t = 0 s and t = 3.0 s.
At t = 0 s:
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At t = 3.0 s:
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At t = 3.0 s:
Solve for the average acceleration for each component.
To determine the instantaneous acceleration, the derivative of the velocity of each
component should be calculated.
Therefore,
.
Substitute t = 3.0 s to the acceleration vector.
Calculate the magnitude of the acceleration using
.
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Step 5: Find the answer.
The components of the average acceleration from t = 0 s to t = 3.0 s:
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.
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Step 5: Find the answer.
The components of the average acceleration from t = 0 s to t = 3.0 s:
The instantaneous acceleration at t =3.0 s:
The magnitude of the acceleration at t = 3.0 s:
The components of the average acceleration are: aav-x = 0.9 m/s2, a av-y = ‒0.6 m/s2, a av-z
= 2.25 m/s 2. The instantaneous acceleration at t = 3.0 s is
. The magnitude of the
acceleration at t = 3.0 s is 21.42 m/s 2.
6 Try It!
A car has the following components of its position as a function of time:
x = (5.0 m/s)t (2.1 m/s2)t2
y = (6.5 m/s)t (0.10 m/s3)t3
z = (3.0 m/s2)t2
(a) Find the components of the average acceleration at t = 0 s to t = 0.5 s.
(b) Find the instantaneous acceleration at t = 0.5 s in vector notation.
(c) Find the magnitude of the instantaneous acceleration from (b).
Parallel and Perpendicular Components of Acceleration
Another way to describe acceleration is to think of with its components parallel to the
particle’s path and , and another component perpendicular to the path and to , as
shown in Fig. 4.2.5. The parallel component of acceleration signifies the changes in the
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speed of the particle, while the perpendicular component represents the changes in the
direction of the particle’s motion.
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speed of the particle, while the perpendicular component represents the changes in the
direction of the particle’s motion.
Fig. 4.2.5 Components of acceleration
To explain this, considerFig.4.2.6a,wheretheaccelerationvector issimilar tothedirection
of . In this case, it has only a parallel component, while its perpendicular component is
zero. The figure shows that vector is smaller than vector , indicating that the object
increases its speed while traveling in the same direction. The increase in speed is given by
.
Fig. 4.2.6. Acceleration when directed (a) parallel and (b) perpendicular to an object’s
velocity
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In Fig. 4.2.6b, acceleration is perpendicular to the velocity, Hence, it only has a
perpendicular component, while its parallel component is zero. At a small interval, the
change in velocity is almostperpendicularto ,makingthedirections ofboth and
different. As the time interval gets smaller, the angle also approaches zero, making
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velocity
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In Fig. 4.2.6b, acceleration is perpendicular to the velocity, Hence, it only has a
perpendicular component, while its parallel component is zero. At a small interval, the
change in velocity is almostperpendicularto ,makingthedirections ofboth and
different. As the time interval gets smaller, the angle also approaches zero, making
the perpendicular to both vectors, while and havethesamemagnitude.Inthis
case, the magnitude of the velocity (speed) stays the same but its direction changes. This
can be observed in a curved path where the speed is constant while the direction of the
object changes at each instant.
In most cases, acceleration can havebothparallelandperpendicularcomponents.Itmeans
that the speed of the particle varies as well as the direction of the particle’s motion.
What do the parallel and perpendicular
components of acceleration signify?
Tips
It is always easier to solve motion problems while considering
separate components for each variable. Position, velocity, and
acceleration vectors can always be separated based on their
components along the x-, y-, and z-axes.
Key Points
___________________________________________________________________________________________
● The position vector illustrates the position of a particle in two or three
dimensions. When the particle is moving, the position vector is considered as a
function of time. In three dimensions, the position vector is simply the vectorsum
of one dimensional position in the x-, y-, and z-axes.
● The displacement vector isthechangeinpositionofaparticle oranobjectat
a specific time interval in two to three dimensions.
● Instantaneous velocity is the rate of change in the position at an instant
4.2. Motion Descriptors in Three Dimensions 25
Unit 4: Motion in Two Dimensions
(infinitesimal time). Both the position and the velocity are vectors. In three
dimensions, is simply the sum of each component of a particle’s instantaneous
velocity vector along the x-, y-, and z- axes.
● Instantaneous acceleration is the change in velocity overaverysmallamount
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● Instantaneous velocity is the rate of change in the position at an instant
4.2. Motion Descriptors in Three Dimensions 25
Unit 4: Motion in Two Dimensions
(infinitesimal time). Both the position and the velocity are vectors. In three
dimensions, is simply the sum of each component of a particle’s instantaneous
velocity vector along the x-, y-, and z- axes.
● Instantaneous acceleration is the change in velocity overaverysmallamount
of time (infinitesimal). It is expressed as the derivative of the velocityfunctionwith
respect to time.
● Acceleration in three dimensions can be written as the vector sum of
one-dimensional acceleration in the x-, y-, and z-axes.
● Acceleration is also described based on its parallel and perpendicular
components.
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Key Formulas
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Concept Formula Description
Position Vector Use this formula to solve for
the position vector in three
dimensions if the
where
components are given.
● is the position vector;
● x is the position along the
x-axis;
● y is the position along the
y-axis, and
● z is the position along the
z-axis.
Use this formula to solve for
where displacement if the
components of the position
● is the displacement;
vectors are given.
4.2. Motion Descriptors in Three Dimensions 26
Unit 4: Motion in Two Dimensions
● x1 is the position of r 1
along the x-axis;
● x2 is the position of r 2
along the x-axis;
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g
4.2. Motion Descriptors in Three Dimensions 26
Unit 4: Motion in Two Dimensions
● x1 is the position of r 1
along the x-axis;
● x2 is the position of r 2
along the x-axis;
● y1 is the position of r1
along the y-axis;
● y2 is the position of r2
along the x-axis;
● z1 is the position of r1
along the y-axis, and
● z2 is the position of r2
along the x-axis.
Velocity Vector Use this formula to solve for
instantaneous velocity if
or
the components of the
velocity or the components
of the position vector are
where
given.
● is the instantaneous
velocity;
● is the position vector;
● vx is the x-component of
velocity;
● vy is the y-component of
velocity;
● vz is the z-component of
velocity;
● x is the x-component of the
object’s position;
● y is the y-component of the
object’s position, and
● z is the z-component of the
4.2. Motion Descriptors in Three Dimensions 27
Unit 4: Motion in Two Dimensions
object’s position.
Acceleration vector Use this formula to solve for
the acceleration vector if
or
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p
4.2. Motion Descriptors in Three Dimensions 27
Unit 4: Motion in Two Dimensions
object’s position.
Acceleration vector Use this formula to solve for
the acceleration vector if
or
the components of the
acceleration or the
components of velocity are
given.
where
● is the acceleration
vector;
● ax is the x-component of
acceleration;
● ay is the y-component of
acceleration;
● az is the z-component of
acceleration;
● is the instantaneous
velocity;
● vx is the x-component of
velocity;
● vy is the y-component of
velocity, and
● vz is the z-component of
velocity.
___________________________________________________________________________________________
4.2. Motion Descriptors in Three Dimensions 28
Unit 4: Motion in Two Dimensions
Check Your Understanding
A. Write true if the statement is correct. If the statement is incorrect,
change the underline word with the correct one
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4.2. Motion Descriptors in Three Dimensions 28
Unit 4: Motion in Two Dimensions
Check Your Understanding
A. Write true if the statement is correct. If the statement is incorrect,
change the underline word with the correct one.
1. When the particle is moving, the position vector is considered as a function of time.
2. Instantaneous velocity is the change in position vector divided by the time interval.
3. Displacement is the change in position of a particle.
4. Average acceleration is the change in velocity divided by a very small amount of
time.
5. Position, velocity, and acceleration vectors in three dimensions are characterized
by the sum of their one-dimensional counterparts along the x-, y-, and z-axes.
6. In instantaneous velocity, both the position and the velocity are vectors.
7. The perpendicular component of acceleration signifies thechangesinthespeedof
a particle.
8. The parallel component of acceleration represents the changes in direction of the
particle’s motion.
9. The direction of the instantaneous velocity is always tangent to the particle’s path.
10. Motion along each component is dependent on each other.
B. Solve the following problems.
1. Find the position vector of a particle at t = 1.2 s. Write it in vector notation form
and provide the magnitude of the position vector. The coordinates of the particle’s
position (in meters) as functions of time 9in seconds) are:
x = 0.2t2 + 0.5t + 2
y = 0.4t 2 + 2.2t
z = 0.9t2 1.5t 2
2. What is the instantaneous velocity in vector notation form at t = 2.5 s if the same
coordinates of the particle’s position from item no. 1 are given? What is the
magnitude of the instantaneous velocity?
4.2. Motion Descriptors in Three Dimensions 29
Unit 4: Motion in Two Dimensions
3. The coordinates of the position of a moving vehicle (in meters) as a functionoftime
(in seconds) are given by:
x = 4.5t2 + 6.2t + 12
y = 3.5t2 + 2.5t 15
z 0 6t2 3 0t + 8
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4.2. Motion Descriptors in Three Dimensions 29
Unit 4: Motion in Two Dimensions
3. The coordinates of the position of a moving vehicle (in meters) as a functionoftime
(in seconds) are given by:
x = 4.5t2 + 6.2t + 12
y = 3.5t2 + 2.5t 15
z = 0.6t2 3.0t + 8
a. What is the position vector in vector notation form, and the magnitude of
the position of the car at time t = 2 s?
b. What is the velocity of the car in vector notation form at t = 2 s?
c. What is the magnitude of the velocity vector at t = 2 s?
4. A car has the following components of its position as a function of time:
x = (3.0 m/s)t + (1.5 m/s 2)t2
y = (2.5 m/s)t (1.2 m/s3)t 3
z = (4.0 m/s 2)t 2
Find the components of the average acceleration of the car from t = 0 s to t = 2 s.
5. Using the same given components of position in #4, find (a) the instantaneous
acceleration in vector notation form at t = 6 s, and (b) find the magnitude of the
instantaneous acceleration at t = 6 s.
C. Provide what is being asked in each item.
1. Illustrate the position vector in the figure on the right.
Identify its components in the x-, y-, and z-axes.
4.2. Motion Descriptors in Three Dimensions 30
Unit 4: Motion in Two Dimensions
For items 2, 3 and 4, refer to the figure below.
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4.2. Motion Descriptors in Three Dimensions 30
Unit 4: Motion in Two Dimensions
For items 2, 3 and 4, refer to the figure below.
2. Draw the instantaneous velocity vector of the particle shown.
3. Draw the acceleration vector of the particle shown. Assume that the speed of the
particle is constant.
4. How will you draw the displacement as the particle in the figure changed from
one position to another?
5. A car ismoving alongacurvedpath(fromP 1 to P2)shownbelow.Itspathandvelocity
at two instants were also plotted. What can you conclude about the car’s
acceleration?
4.2. Motion Descriptors in Three Dimensions 31
Unit 4: Motion in Two Dimensions
Challenge Yourself
Answer the following questions.
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4.2. Motion Descriptors in Three Dimensions 31
Unit 4: Motion in Two Dimensions
Challenge Yourself
Answer the following questions.
1. A rabbit follows a path shown in the figure below. Rank the points a,b,andc(from
highest to lowest) according to the magnitude of the average velocity as it reaches
each point from the initial point i.Assumethattherabbittakesthesameamountof
time to move from one point to another.
2. Illustrate the acceleration vector as the object’s speed increasesanddecreasesasit
follows a curved path.
3. Provide another position vector that will have an equal acceleration as
.
4. Istheterm<acceleration=onlyapplicablewhenthespeedofanobjectchanges?Why
or why not?
5. A roller coaster reaches the highest point of its speed hill, as shown in the figure
below. Which arrow correctly represents the acceleration of the cart at this point?
Explain your answer.
4.2. Motion Descriptors in Three Dimensions 32
Unit 4: Motion in Two Dimensions
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4.2. Motion Descriptors in Three Dimensions 32
Unit 4: Motion in Two Dimensions
Bibliography
Faughn, Jerry S. and Raymond A. Serway. Serway’s College Physics (7th ed). Singapore:
Brooks/Cole, 2006.
Giancoli, Douglas C. Physics Principles with Applications (7th ed). USA: Pearson Education,
2014.
Halliday, David, Robert Resnick and Kenneth Krane. Fundamentals of Physics (5th ed). USA:
Wiley, 2002.
Knight, Randall D. Physics for Scientists and Engineers: A Strategic Approach (4th ed). USA:
Pearson Education, 2017.
Serway, Raymond A. and John W. Jewett, Jr. Physics for Scientists and Engineers with Modern
Physics (9th ed). USA: Brooks/Cole, 2014.
Walker, James S. Physics (5th ed). USA: Pearson Education, 2017.
Young, Hugh D., Roger A. Freedman, and A. Lewis Ford. Sears and Zemansky’s University
Physics with Modern Physics (13th ed). USA: Pearson Education, 2012.
4.2. Motion Descriptors in Three Dimensions 33
Unit 4: Motion in Two Dimensions
Key to Try It!
1. ; r = 43 m
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4.2. Motion Descriptors in Three Dimensions 33
Unit 4: Motion in Two Dimensions
Key to Try It!
1. ; r = 43 m
2.
3. ; r = 21.63 m;
; v = 14.07 m/s
4.
5. ; a = 46.10 m/s2
6. , , ;
; a = 7.33 m/s2
4.2. Motion Descriptors in Three Dimensions 34
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