O porta-aviões, o torpedo e o círculo de Apolônio

Abstract

In this paper we discuss a simple example of a search problem, namely, the interception of a movable target, in our case an air carrier, by a torpedo, both moving at constant velocity. The problem can be solved with the help of Apollonius' circle. The relative simplicity of the problem allows for its introduction at the high school and university physics level as a first example of simulation with educational softwares such as the free Modellus. © by the Sociedade Brasileira de Física.