Calculating the Trajectory of Attracting Pucks Moving at Constant Velocity

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on simulating the trajectory of pucks on an air-hockey-like table that attract each other while maintaining a constant velocity. The key challenge is to calculate their paths while ensuring they move at a fixed speed, denoted as X meters per second. The conversation emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between speed and velocity, and the necessity of setting speed as a parameter in the simulation program. The hypothetical nature of the scenario is acknowledged, highlighting the complexities involved in modeling such interactions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts, specifically speed and velocity.
  • Familiarity with programming concepts for simulation development.
  • Knowledge of vector mathematics for calculating trajectories.
  • Experience with simulation tools or programming languages suitable for physics simulations, such as Python or MATLAB.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research how to implement constant velocity motion in simulation programming.
  • Learn about vector mathematics for calculating the trajectories of moving objects.
  • Explore physics engines like Pygame or Unity for simulating interactions between objects.
  • Investigate the principles of magnetic attraction and its effects on motion in simulations.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics enthusiasts, simulation developers, and programmers interested in modeling dynamic systems involving constant velocity and magnetic interactions.

spod
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This is all hypothetical.

Say that I build a machine something like an air-hockey table with pucks that move on it.

Each puck has a magnet in it such that the pucks attract each other

Now imagine that the puck can only go at one speed. no faster and no slower.

If two pucks attract each other how can I calculate the path they would take ensuring that they always move only at a speed of X metres per second.

I'm trying to write a program to simulate it.
 
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Welcome to PF;
Note: speed and velocity are different things.

You will have to set the speed as a parameter in the program so that it is always the same - i.e. so that it's change of position in a standard time interval always has the same magnitude.
I'm not clear on what you are asking for: you reaise the situation you described is non-physical right?
 
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