2 Objects connected by rigid rod moving perpendicular to each other

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    Perpendicular Rod
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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves two objects, A and B, connected by a rigid rod moving along perpendicular paths. Object A moves along the x-axis, while object B moves along the y-axis. The challenge is to determine the velocity of object B when the rod forms a specific angle with the x-axis, given the speed of object A.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between the coordinates of the two objects and the application of the Pythagorean theorem. There are questions about the proper equations to use and whether derivatives are necessary for solving the problem.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided hints regarding the use of derivatives and the Pythagorean theorem. There is an ongoing exploration of how to relate the positions of the objects and the implications of the angle formed by the rod.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the correct approach and seek clarification on the relationship between the coordinates and time. The problem setup includes a fixed length for the rod, which is central to the discussion.

physacks
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I am having a lot of trouble trying to figure out ot do this problem. The problem states that Two objects, A and B are connected by a rigid rod that has a length of 60m. The objects slide along perpendicular guide rails. If A slides to the left witha constant speed of 62m/s along the x-axis, find the velocity of B along the Y-axis when the rod makes an angle 30 degrees with the X-axis.

I have tried to work out this using trig functions but I do not think that is the proper way of doing the problem. Feel free to change the numbers around, I really just want to understand how to do the problem as I am stuck. I have been unable to figure it out by reading my book and cannot find a similar problem.

Thanks for the help!
 
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Hint 1: What's the relationship between the two coordinates? (Think Pythagorus.)

Hint 2: You'll need to take a derivative.
 
I have a similar problem to the one physacks submitted. I'm having trouble finding the relationship between the coordinates as you (Doc Al) said.
Plz help,
Thanks
 
Please provide a diagram that illustrates the problem. I assume that object A is constrained to move along the x-axis and object B is constrained to move along the y-axis. Since the distance between the two end points is fixed, how must the positions of the two objects relate? Hint: The origin and the objects A and B form a right triangle whose hypotenuse is the length of the rod.
 
Here's the diagram of the problem.
I assume the sides are related by the pythagorean theorem: x^2 + y^2 = 64^2
Do I take the derivative of this equation or is there another equation I need? I feel like I need something that also relates time. It seems like a rate of change problem...so I'd use an implicit derivative. But I'm just having trouble figuring out the equation to use.
Thanks
 

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jslive03, try thinking of your equation as
[x(t)]^2+[y(t)]^2=64^2
and then differentiate wrt t.

By the way, this is called a trammel mechanism.
 
Last edited:
jsliv03 said:
I assume the sides are related by the pythagorean theorem: x^2 + y^2 = 64^2
Do I take the derivative of this equation or is there another equation I need?
You're doing fine. That's the equation you need.
I feel like I need something that also relates time. It seems like a rate of change problem...so I'd use an implicit derivative.
Exactly.

Now just work out how the 38 degrees fits in.
 

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