Solutions of Savchenko Problems in Physics

Aliaksandr Melnichenka
October 2023

Statement

$1.1.12^*.$ Two rods intersect at an angle $2 \alpha$ and move with equal velocities $v$ perpendicular to themselves. What is the velocity of the intersection point of the rods?

For problem $1.1.12^*$

Solution

1.1.12
Animation of rod movement

As shown in the animation, the intersection point will remain on the bisection of the angle $2\alpha$ between them as they move

1.1.12
Movement in a small amount of time

Consider the change of the intersection point on the horizontal axis during the time interval $dt$

From the geometry of a right triangle, the horizontal coordinate (aka hypotenuse) has changed to $dx = v dt / \sin\,\alpha$

From where the speed:

$$\fbox{$u = \frac{dx}{dt} = \frac{v}{\sin\,\alpha}$}$$

Answer

$$u = v/ \sin α$$