Physics
Physics
Problem
A point moves anticlockwise in a circle of radius starting from the positive -axis. Its projection on the vertical diameter is observed. At which angular position (measured from the positive -axis) is the projection at its maximum positive displacement along the vertical diameter? a) b) c) d)Intuitive explanation
The projection of a point onto the vertical diameter is just its -coordinate, which equals for a circle of radius . To find where this projection reaches its maximum positive value, you need to find where is largest—this is a straightforward optimization problem. Think about the unit circle: the -coordinate climbs as you move counterclockwise from the positive -axis, peaks at the top, then descends.
Intuitive explanation
The projection of a point onto the vertical diameter is just its -coordinate, which equals for a circle of radius . To find where this projection reaches its maximum positive value, you need to find where is largest—this is a straightforward optimization problem. Think about the unit circle: the -coordinate climbs as you move counterclockwise from the positive -axis, peaks at the top, then descends.