Kinematics Problem -- 3 particles at the vertices of an equilateral triangle

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a kinematics problem involving three particles located at the vertices of an equilateral triangle, each moving with constant speed along the sides of the triangle. Participants explore the dynamics of their motion and the conditions under which they will meet.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions how the particles can meet if they are restricted to their corresponding sides of the triangle.
  • Another participant notes that the sides of the triangle are getting smaller, implying a convergence of the particles.
  • A clarification is provided that the particles should not be thought of as moving in fixed directions based on their original positions; rather, A moves toward B, B moves toward C, and C moves toward A as they change positions.
  • A later reply acknowledges the clarification and expresses gratitude for the improved understanding.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express uncertainty about the initial wording of the problem and how the particles' movement dynamics work. There is no consensus on the exact time of meeting, and the discussion remains exploratory.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve the mathematical steps needed to determine the time at which the particles meet, leaving some assumptions and dependencies on definitions unaddressed.

RandomGuy1
Messages
19
Reaction score
0
Here's the question:

Three particles A, B and C are situated at the vertices of an equilateral triangle ABC of side d at time t = 0. Each of the particles moves with constant speed v. The particle at A always has its velocity along AB, B along BC and C along CA. At what time will the particles meet?

And here's what I don't understand - If each particle is restricted to its corresponding side of the triangle, how exactly will they "meet"?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The sides of the triangle are getting smaller.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: RandomGuy1
RandomGuy1 said:
The particle at A always has its velocity along AB, B along BC and C along CA.
It's a bit oddly worded. Don't think in terms of fixed directions based on the original positions. As the particles move and change position: A always moves toward B, B always moves toward C, C always moves toward A.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: RandomGuy1
Doc Al said:
It's a bit oddly worded. Don't think in terms of fixed directions based on the original positions. As the particles move and change position: A always moves toward B, B always moves toward C, C always moves toward A.

You were right. That cleared a lot up. Thanks!
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 27 ·
Replies
27
Views
5K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 24 ·
Replies
24
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
4K