Physics Mobile Ruler: Understanding the Basics

  • Thread starter Thread starter teedoff087
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Mobile Physics
AI Thread Summary
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.
teedoff087
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
See http://technology.todaysbigthing.com/2008/12/16" .

Can someone explain this?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
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.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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).
 

Thread 'Why can't Solar panels be hemispherical, or a curved strip type?'

comparing a flat solar panel of area 2π r² and a hemisphere of the same area, the hemispherical solar panel would only occupy the area π r² of while the flat panel would occupy an entire 2π r² of land. wouldn't the hemispherical version have the same area of panel exposed to the sun, occupy less land space and can therefore increase the number of panels one land can have fitted? this would increase the power output proportionally as well. when I searched it up I wasn't satisfied with...
View full post »

Thread 'The Physics of unloading sand from a barge'

I think it's easist first to watch a short vidio clip I find these videos very relaxing to watch .. I got to thinking is this being done in the most efficient way? The sand has to be suspended in the water to move it to the outlet ... The faster the water , the more turbulance and the sand stays suspended, so it seems to me the rule of thumb is the hose be aimed towards the outlet at all times .. Many times the workers hit the sand directly which will greatly reduce the water...
View full post »

Similar threads

I Units analysis for this phase shift problem using a differential equation
Replies
3
Views
1K
This should be easy Units of log graph?
Replies
6
Views
11K
Can a Power Plant Master Benefit from Physics Basics?
Replies
3
Views
402
What Can a Mobile Phone Camera Lens Reveal That the Naked Eye Can't?
Replies
9
Views
3K
B The Purposes of Physics: Understanding the Fundamentals of Nature
Replies
10
Views
3K
Ruler measurements and knowing how many decimal places to include
Replies
9
Views
2K
B Understanding the Physics of a Ceiling Fan: Basics & Beyond
Replies
1
Views
2K
I Understanding Tensors & Knot Theory in Physics
Replies
4
Views
3K
I Non-Linear Evaporation: Explained for Beginners
Replies
3
Views
16K
Mobile Forum: Disable Mobile Version & Ads on Subscription Accounts?
Replies
7
Views
7K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top