Plane Curvilinear Motion - Choosing a Coordinate System - Example 3.5-1

 

The rocket travels vertically upward with velocity v. The radar is located a known distance D from the rocket’s launch site and tracks the rocket’s flight.

 

 

• Given: angular velocity and angular acceleration of the radar dish
• Find: v at h

 

Which coordinate system would you employ?

 

a) Rectangular coordinate system
b) Normal-tangential coordinate system
c) Polar coordinate system