Rotation and Translation

Consider the motion of a body AB from A1B1 to A2B2. This plane motion
can be considered as pure rotation of a body AB about the point I, the
instantanneous centre of rotation,which is the point of intersection of
perpendicular bisectors of A1A2 and B1B2.

IA1 = IA2 & IB1 =IB2

Also,

AB = A1B1 = A2B2

Hence, triangles IA1B1 & IA2B2 are congruent.

Hence, we can consider it as pure rotation of

triangle IA1B1 about centre I.

So, Magnitude of velocity of A is IA1 × ω

& Magnitude of velocity of B is IB1 × ω

 Properties of Instantaneous centre of rotation

(i) Magnitude of velocity of any point on the body is proportional to its distance

from the instantaneous centre and is equal to angular velocity times distance.

(ii) The direction of velocity of any point on the body is perpendicular to the line

joining the point and instantaneous centre.

• How to find the location of Instantaneous centre when velocity directions are given ?

Draw perpendiculars to velocity directions, point of intersection will be the location of

Instantaneous Centre
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