What is the velocity of raindrops in two reference frames?

In summary, a car traveling east at 50.0 km/h has raindrops falling vertically. The angle of the rain on the side windows of the car is 45.0° with the vertical. To find the velocity of the rain with respect to different reference frames, the vector sum of the velocity of the rain with respect to the Earth and the car with respect to the Earth must be calculated.(a) The velocity of the rain with respect to the car is given by the formula: \vec v_\mathrm{r,c} = \vec v_\mathrm{r,e} + \vec v_\mathrm{e,c}. This means that the velocity of the raindrops relative to the car is the sum of the velocities of
  • #1
chanv1
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A car travels due east with a speed of 50.0 km/h. Raindrops are falling at a constant speed vertically with respect to the Earth. The traces of the rain on the side windows of the car make an angle of 45.0° with the vertical. Find the velocity of the rain with respect to the following reference frames.
(a) the car _____m/s

(b) the Earth ____ m/s

Any help would be greatly appreciated!
 
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  • #2
The velocity of the raindrops relative to the car is the vector sum of the velocity of the rain with respect to the Earth and the car with respect to the earth.

In formula:
[tex]\vec v_\mathrm{r,c} = \vec v_\mathrm{r,e} + \vec v_\mathrm{e,c}[/tex]
 
  • #3
Good response, CompuChip, but this belongs in the Homework Help section. It should be moved. Nothing wrong with the question or the answer—it's just in the wrong place.
 

1. What is the difference between constant speed and constant velocity?

Constant speed refers to the rate at which an object is moving without any changes in direction. Constant velocity, on the other hand, not only takes into account the speed but also the direction of motion, which must remain constant in order for the velocity to be considered constant.

2. Can an object have a constant speed but varying velocity?

Yes, an object can have a constant speed but varying velocity if the direction of motion changes. For example, a car moving at a constant speed of 60 mph on a circular track will have a constantly changing velocity because the direction of motion is changing.

3. How can an object have a constant velocity but not a constant speed?

An object can have a constant velocity but not a constant speed if its speed is changing at a constant rate. This can happen when an object is undergoing uniform acceleration, such as a car moving at a constant velocity but increasing its speed by 5 mph every second.

4. Is it possible for an object to have a constant speed and velocity?

No, it is not possible for an object to have a constant speed and velocity at the same time. As mentioned before, velocity takes into account both the speed and direction of motion, so if the velocity is constant, the speed must also be constant. However, the opposite is not true, as an object can have a constant speed but varying velocity.

5. How is constant velocity related to Newton's first law of motion?

Constant velocity is related to Newton's first law of motion, also known as the law of inertia. This law states that an object will remain at rest or in motion with a constant velocity unless acted upon by an external force. Therefore, an object with a constant velocity will continue to move in the same direction at the same speed unless an external force changes its motion.

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