How Do You Calculate the Velocity of a Compass Joint in Motion?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the velocity of a compass joint in motion, specifically when the compass arms are closing at a speed of 0.060 m/s with an initial angle of 60 degrees and arm length of 15 cm. The key equations referenced include L^2 = x^2 + y^2 and v = omega r, which relate the geometry of the compass to its motion. The student seeks assistance in deriving the velocity function over time and determining the joint's velocity at both the start and end of the closing motion.

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Homework Statement



An engineering student holds her open compass perpendicular to the drafting board, touching the board with both tips of the compass. She slowly closes the compass so that the tips move toward each other with a speed of 2 v_naught = 0.060 m/s. Initially the angle between the arms of the compass is 2theta=60 degrees. The arms of the compass are L = 15 cm long.

Calculate the velocity of the joint of the compass as a function of time.

AND Give the velocity of the joint at the moment that she starts to close the compass and at the moment that the two tips reach each other.

Homework Equations



I'm not sure but maybe L^2 = x^2 + y^2

or v = omega r


The Attempt at a Solution



I have no idea where to start this equation but the answer is really complex looking and involves a unit vector j . . .
 
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I'm thinking it's something with the velocity of the joint and the angle of the compass somehow? I would really appreciate it if someone could help me out here. Thanks!
 

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