Physics

Physics

Problem

A point moves anticlockwise in a circle of radius AA starting from the positive XX-axis. Its projection on the vertical diameter is observed. At which angular position θ\theta (measured from the positive XX-axis) is the projection at its maximum positive displacement along the vertical diameter? a) 45∘45^{\circ} b) 0∘0^{\circ} c) 90∘90^{\circ} d) 270∘270^{\circ}
Intuitive explanation

The projection of a point onto the vertical diameter is just its yy-coordinate, which equals Asin⁡θA\sin\theta for a circle of radius AA. To find where this projection reaches its maximum positive value, you need to find where sin⁡θ\sin\theta is largest—this is a straightforward optimization problem. Think about the unit circle: the yy-coordinate climbs as you move counterclockwise from the positive xx-axis, peaks at the top, then descends.

Intuitive explanation

The projection of a point onto the vertical diameter is just its yy-coordinate, which equals Asin⁡θA\sin\theta for a circle of radius AA. To find where this projection reaches its maximum positive value, you need to find where sin⁡θ\sin\theta is largest—this is a straightforward optimization problem. Think about the unit circle: the yy-coordinate climbs as you move counterclockwise from the positive xx-axis, peaks at the top, then descends.

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