TEACHER NOTES

ISSUES RELATED TO THE PROBLEM

Prerequisites

Parametric equation representation of circular motion of constant speed, angular velocity and angular acceleration, and optimization.

Time allotment - time management

This problem is very demanding of CAS effort, but the problem can be stated, formulated, and outlined in one class period and then offered as a one or two week homework project.

Expectations

Students will see the nature of the problem as a clasic "related rates" problem and understnad the subtleties introduced by the nature of the motions and the need for CAS efforts to facilitate solution.

Future payoffs

Students can handle sophisitacted related rates or relative motion problems.

Extensions

Further motions can be offered for camera tracking.

In addition, the camera can move.

The distance from the mass to the camera - focal length - can be studied.

References and Sources