Finding distance between two points A, B moving in a plane

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves two objects, A and B, moving in a plane, initially separated by a distance d. B moves rectilinearly and perpendicular to the line connecting A and B, while A moves with the same speed but continually aims towards B. The objective is to determine the fixed distance between them after some time.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the initial positions and velocities of A and B, with some suggesting to analyze the problem from B's frame of reference. Others raise questions about how to apply the constraint that A is always directed towards B.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with various interpretations being explored. Some participants have provided insights into the setup and constraints of the problem, while others are seeking clarification on how to proceed with the analysis.

Contextual Notes

There is an assumption that both A and B have the same speed, and participants are considering the implications of this on their motion. The problem setup includes specific initial conditions and constraints that are under discussion.

Richlair
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A and B are two objects in a plane. Initially they were at a distance d apart. B moves rectilinearly and perpendicular to the line AB initially with speed v and A moves with speed v so that it is continually aimed towards B. After some time, both of them are moving aimed in the same direction and would be a fixed distance apart. Find the fixed distance.
 
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Richlair said:
A and B are two objects in a plane. Initially they were at a distance d apart. B moves rectilinearly and perpendicular to the line AB initially with speed v and A moves with speed v so that it is continually aimed towards B. After some time, both of them are moving aimed in the same direction and would be a fixed distance apart. Find the fixed distance.
I assume that their speed |velocity| is same[/color]
First consider first particle A is at 0i+0j and second particle B is at di+0j here i and j represent unit vectors along x and y direction. now B start moving with velocity Vb=0i+vj it's location at time t is Rb=(0i+vj)t+di. Now come to first particle A. let it's velocity at any time is vx i+vy j. since velocity of both A and B is same so (vx2+vy2))1/2=v. one more constraint is it's direction is always along the location of B that is (0i+vj)t+di now using all the constraint i mentioned you can do this question.
Hope now you will complete it.
 
vkash said:
I assume that their speed |velocity| is same[/color]
First consider first particle A is at 0i+0j and second particle B is at di+0j here i and j represent unit vectors along x and y direction. now B start moving with velocity Vb=0i+vj it's location at time t is Rb=(0i+vj)t+di. Now come to first particle A. let it's velocity at any time is vx i+vy j. since velocity of both A and B is same so (vx2+vy2))1/2=v. one more constraint is it's direction is always along the location of B that is (0i+vj)t+di now using all the constraint i mentioned you can do this question.
Hope now you will complete it.

I was thinking much the same, but I would solve it in B's frame of reference. That mean treating B as at rest and A with initial leftward velocity of v and initial downward velocity (assuming B was moving upwards) of -v.
 
vkash said:
I assume that their speed |velocity| is same[/color]
First consider first particle A is at 0i+0j and second particle B is at di+0j here i and j represent unit vectors along x and y direction. now B start moving with velocity Vb=0i+vj it's location at time t is Rb=(0i+vj)t+di. Now come to first particle A. let it's velocity at any time is vx i+vy j. since velocity of both A and B is same so (vx2+vy2))1/2=v. one more constraint is it's direction is always along the location of B that is (0i+vj)t+di now using all the constraint i mentioned you can do this question.
Hope now you will complete it.

How should I use the constraint that A is headed towards B at any instant?
 

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