Solving a Simple Kinematics Problem: When Will Three Turtles Collide?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves three turtles starting from the vertices of an equilateral triangle and moving towards each other with a constant velocity. The question posed is about determining the time at which they will collide.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the nature of the turtles' movement and whether they will actually collide. Some question the assumptions regarding their paths and velocities.

Discussion Status

The discussion includes differing opinions on whether a collision is possible, with one participant suggesting a method involving the area of the triangle over time. There is no clear consensus on the outcome, and various interpretations of the problem are being explored.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of the turtles not remaining on the triangle path, which introduces additional complexity to the problem. No specific equations or methods have been established as a consensus among participants.

Leotav
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Homework Statement


So the problem says that three turtles starts to move each from a vertice of a equilateral triangle with a constant velocity v as shown in the pic. They move towards each other ( the first one moves towards the second the second towars the third and so on ). It asks: When they are going to collide?

http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/1038/77228846fl6.jpg"

Homework Equations


none


The Attempt at a Solution


all my tries were unsuccessful that's why I am asking for help ;p

tips are welcome
thanks in advance
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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Never. I don't see why they should.
 
I forgot to mention that they're not going stay moving only on the triangle path, sorry.
 
Calculate the change of area A of the triangle as a function of time, and then solve for t when A=0.

If each has moved dx in time dt with speed v, what's dA/dt?
 

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