Degrees of Freedom of Connected Compasses

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the degrees of freedom for a connected pair of compasses, suggesting three degrees of translation and three degrees of rotation, along with two compass needle positions. Participants debate the parallel alignment of the needles, with some asserting they will always remain parallel while others argue that they may not due to varying conditions. The influence of magnetic forces, such as N-N repulsion and N-S attraction, is acknowledged but deemed irrelevant to the degrees of freedom. The vagueness of the original question complicates the discussion, leading to differing interpretations and results. Overall, the complexity of the topic highlights the challenges in reaching a consensus.
AbhiFromXtraZ
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What will be the degrees of freedom of a ''Connected pair of compasses''?
 
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Assuming they are rigidly connected then three degrees of translation, three degrees of rotation, and two compass needle positions.
 
Have you thought about this?
The needles will always be parallel.
This is not a simple concept. There will be N-N repulsion and N-S attraction.
 
AbhiFromXtraZ said:
Have you thought about this?

Don't be rude.

AbhiFromXtraZ said:
The needles will always be parallel.

Just because their equilibrium positions are parallel does not mean they will always be parallel.
 
AbhiFromXtraZ said:
The needles will always be parallel.
The needles will not always be parallel. I can easily think of scenarios where they are not parallel.

AbhiFromXtraZ said:
There will be N-N repulsion and N-S attraction.
Yes, but that is irrelevant to the question of the number of degrees of freedom.
 
I found that a "pair of compasses" refers to the tool for drawing arcs/circles. This question is so vague it's hard to begin to answer it in a coherent manner.
 
Really the question is so vague...I'm getting different results every time...
 

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