I think the key here is to be exquisitely careful at all times, and any time we make any move, keep our units with it.
We're given two angular speeds, and we need to solve for a time.
Outer (slower) planet: Angular speed = ω rad/sec Time per unit angle = (1/ω) sec/rad Angle per revolution = 2π rad Time per revolution = (1/ω sec/rad) · (2π rad) = 2π/ω seconds .
Inner (faster) planet: Angular speed = 2ω rad/sec Time per unit angle = (1/2ω) sec/rad Angle per revolution = 2π rad Time per revolution = (1/2ω sec/rad) · (2π rad) = 2π/2ω sec = π/ω seconds.
So far so good. We have the outer planet taking 2π/ω seconds for one complete revolution, and the inner planet doing it in only π/ω seconds ... half the time for double the angular speed. Perfect !
At this point, I know what I'm thinking, but it's hard to explain. I'm pretty sure that the planets are in line on the same side whenever the total elapsed time is something like a common multiple of their periods. What I mean is:
They're in line, SOMEwhere on the circles, when
(a fraction of one orbit) = (the same fraction of the other orbit) AND the total elapsed time is a common multiple of their periods.
Wait ! Ignore all of that. I'm doing a good job of confusing myself, and probably you too. It may be simpler than that. (I hope so.) Throw away those last few paragraphs.
The planets are in line again as soon as the faster one has 'lapped' the slower one ... gone around one more time. So, however many of the longer period have passed, ONE MORE of the shorter period have passed. We're just looking for the Least Common Multiple of the two periods.
K (2π/ω seconds) = (K+1) (π/ω seconds)
2Kπ/ω = Kπ/ω + π/ω
Subtract Kπ/ω : Kπ/ω = π/ω
Multiply by ω/π : K = 1
(Now I have a feeling that I have just finished re-inventing the wheel.)
And there we have it:
In the time it takes the slower planet to revolve once, the faster planet revolves twice, and catches up with it.
It will be 2π/ω seconds before the planets line up again.
When they do, they are again in the same position as shown in the drawing.
To describe it another way . . .
When Kanye has completed its first revolution ...
Bieber has made it halfway around.
Bieber is crawling the rest of the way to the starting point while ...
Kanye is doing another complete revolution.
Kanye laps Bieber just as they both reach the starting point ...
Bieber for the first time, Kanye for the second time.
You're welcome. The generous bounty of 5 points is very gracious, and is appreciated. The warm cloudy water and green breadcrust are also delicious.
