Degree of freedom of two point mass

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the degrees of freedom (DOF) of a system with two point masses on a track. If the distance between the two masses is fixed, the system can be described with one degree of freedom when using a frame of reference based on the center of mass. However, if a different frame of reference is employed, two degrees of freedom are necessary: one for the distance between the masses and another for the position of the center of mass. Thus, the choice of reference frame significantly impacts the DOF analysis. Understanding these concepts is crucial for accurately modeling the motion of such systems.
orienst
Messages
16
Reaction score
0
If I have two point mass moving on a track, we say that this system has 2 degrees of freedom, because we need two independent variable to locate the point mass. But what’s the number of DOF if their (the two point mass) distance was determined? Is it one? If so, which variable can locate the two point mass?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I think you are asking about measuring the distance between the masses?

If you do that, you can say there is only one d.o.f.
BUT, only if you use a frame of reference that is based around the centre of mass.

Any other frame will require two, the distance between them and the position of the centre of mass.
 
Thread 'Question about pressure of a liquid'

Thread 'Question about pressure of a liquid'

I am looking at pressure in liquids and I am testing my idea. The vertical tube is 100m, the contraption is filled with water. The vertical tube is very thin(maybe 1mm^2 cross section). The area of the base is ~100m^2. Will he top half be launched in the air if suddenly it cracked?- assuming its light enough. I want to test my idea that if I had a thin long ruber tube that I lifted up, then the pressure at "red lines" will be high and that the $force = pressure * area$ would be massive...
View full post »

Thread 'Why is the 3 body problem unsolvable? And what will happen if someone solves it?'

I feel it should be solvable we just need to find a perfect pattern, and there will be a general pattern since the forces acting are based on a single function, so..... you can't actually say it is unsolvable right? Cause imaging 3 bodies actually existed somwhere in this universe then nature isn't gonna wait till we predict it! And yea I have checked in many places that tiny changes cause large changes so it becomes chaos........ but still I just can't accept that it is impossible to solve...
View full post »

Similar threads

A Degrees of freedom of thin rods
Replies
7
Views
2K
I Degrees of Freedom in Lagrangian Mechanics for a Fractal Path
Replies
2
Views
1K
B Understanding air flow and resistance
Replies
3
Views
1K
I How can I accurately locate the front axis of an arrow for optimal flight?
Replies
10
Views
1K
Degrees of freedom and holonomic constraints
Replies
15
Views
2K
Degree of Freedom: Definition & Examples - Confused? Ask Here!
Replies
11
Views
2K
Degrees of freedom an constraints
Replies
1
Views
2K
Redundant degrees of freedom in EM fields?
Replies
1
Views
5K
B A questionable statement in some FBD notes?
Replies
15
Views
1K
B Conflicting definition of degree of freedom in Kinetic Theory of Gases
Replies
7
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top