Physics Mobile Ruler: Understanding the Basics

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The discussion focuses on the mechanics of the Physics Mobile Ruler, explaining how spindles influence its movement. The apparatus moves in the opposite direction of the ruler's motion, with the ruler traveling across the top of a large wheel. Unlike typical rolling motion, where the ruler would move at double the speed of the wheel's center of mass, the spindles create a unique interaction that reduces the distance traveled by the ruler. This results in a complex interplay of translational and rotational motion that differs from standard physics principles. Overall, the explanation clarifies the underlying mechanics of the device for better understanding.
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See http://technology.todaysbigthing.com/2008/12/16" .

Can someone explain this?
 
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teedoff087 said:
See http://technology.todaysbigthing.com/2008/12/16" .

Can someone explain this?

yes, I believe so. I couldn't hear the sound on the video (my computer's problem) so I'm not sure I'm explaining exactly the right thing. But here is a try.

It should be easy to see how the spindels cause the whole apparatus to move in the direction opposite the ruler moves. Then, the ruler moves across the top of the big wheel. If this were normal rolling motion the ruler would move at twice the speed of the center of mass of the big whell this is because rolling is a combination of translation and rotation.

The actual motion of the apparatus is again a combination of translation and rotation, but because of the spindels the translational motion is not in the same direction as the rotational motion of the top point of the wheel thus the effects tend to cancel reducing the distance the ruler travels rather than increasing it as in normal rolling motion.
 
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Thank you. That's very helpful. Some members on another board I frequent were confused so I figured I would find out for them (and of course myself).
 

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