Quickie I think I got it, but I need some help

[star223]

i have a small question...okay here's the problem:
A stunt car is driven along a flat train car. The stunt car is moving toward the engine of the trani. how would you calculate the velocity of the stunt car relative to Earth?
I put. . .'You would find the velocity of the ____ then the velocity of the stunt car. Then subtract using V2-V1...' Do i find the velocity of the train? And if it is the train, then is that V2?

 

[Chi Meson]

If I understand you correctly: the stunt automobile is on a flat-bed car which is part of a train? And the automobile is moving toward the engine?

If that is the case, then the velocity of the train (w/respect to the earth) and the velocity of the automobile (w/respect to the train) is added together to get the velocity of the car with respect to earth.

 

[M98Ranger]

Yes, you are correct. In this scenario, the velocity of the train would be V2. The stunt car is moving along the train, so its velocity would be V1. To calculate the velocity of the stunt car relative to Earth, you would subtract V1 from V2, as you mentioned. This will give you the relative velocity of the stunt car compared to the Earth. I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.