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In Physics / High School | 2025-07-03

A hoop of radius R rests on a smooth horizontal surface. A similar hoop moves past it at a constant velocity v. The velocity v_A of the upper point of intersection of the hoops as a function of the distance d between their centres is \(\frac{v}{k\sqrt{1-\left(\frac{d}{2R}\right)^2}}\), assuming that the hoops are thin and the second hoop is in contact with the first hoop as it moves past the latter. Find the value of k.

Asked by leslylopez9927

Answer (2)

To solve this problem, we need to understand the motion of the upper point of intersection between two hoops as one hoop moves past the other. Let’s break this down step-by-step:

Geometry and Context :


You have two hoops, each with radius R .

The second hoop moves with a constant velocity v past the first hoop, which is stationary, and the two hoops are in contact.



Distance Between Centers :


The distance between the centers of the hoops is d .

The intersection occurs when the hoops overlap, and we're interested in the velocity of the upper point of intersection.



Expression for v A ​ :


The velocity v A ​ of the upper point of intersection is given by: v A ​ = k 1 − ( 2 R d ​ ) 2 ​ v ​


Deriving k :


The upper point of intersection moves along the circular path of each hoop and gains velocity as it is part of the rotating reference frame of the second moving hoop.

Using kinematics and geometry, the velocity of this point is a result of both the translational motion of the hoop and the rotational effect around the center of the moving hoop.

The derived formula for the velocity involves the equation given, which typically results from combining rotational kinematics and geometry of the circles.

This expression is similar to formulas found in the dynamics of rotating bodies, often seen in physics problems involving rotational motion, where changes in distance involve trigonometric functions in the denominator.



Value of k :


By analyzing the setup and comparing this problem with standard results in circular motion dynamics (often derived in physics courses dealing with rotational movement), it can be concluded that k = 2 .

Thus, the correct value of k is 2, making the expression for the velocity of the upper point of intersection: v A ​ = 2 1 − ( 2 R d ​ ) 2 ​ v ​

Answered by MasonWilliamTurner | 2025-07-06

The value of k in the velocity equation of the upper point of intersection of two hoops is 2. This was determined by analyzing the motion and geometry of the hoops as the second hoop moves past the stationary hoop. The final expression for the upper point's velocity is v A ​ = 2 1 − ( 2 R d ​ ) 2 ​ v ​ .
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Answered by MasonWilliamTurner | 2025-08-22