Apple Dropping on Bus: Motion Curve & Initial Velocity

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of "Apple Dropping on Bus: Motion Curve & Initial Velocity" which involves analyzing the forces acting on an apple as it falls from a moving bus. The initial velocity of the bus affects the motion of the apple by determining its horizontal displacement. The apple follows a curved path due to the constant force of gravity, resulting in a parabola. The mass of the apple does not affect its motion in this scenario, but other factors such as air resistance and external forces may play a role.
  • #1
krazykaci
28
0
if i drop an apple while riding on a bus that is moving along a level road, and a pedestrian outside sees me do it... won't the pedestrian see motion at a curved motion downward with an initial vertical velosity?
 
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  • #2
The pedestrian will see a curved trajectory, with an initial horizontal velocity and a null initial vertical velocity.
 
  • #3


Yes, the pedestrian would see the apple's motion as curved downward with an initial vertical velocity. This is due to the fact that the apple has two types of motion happening simultaneously: the downward motion due to gravity and the forward motion of the bus. The initial vertical velocity is a result of the apple's initial velocity when it was dropped from the bus. The apple's motion would follow a parabolic path, with its speed increasing due to the acceleration of gravity. This phenomenon is known as projectile motion and is commonly observed in objects that are thrown or dropped from a moving vehicle.
 

What is the concept behind "Apple Dropping on Bus: Motion Curve & Initial Velocity"?

The concept behind "Apple Dropping on Bus: Motion Curve & Initial Velocity" is to analyze the motion of an apple as it falls from a moving bus. This involves understanding the forces acting on the apple and how they affect its path.

How does the initial velocity of the bus affect the motion of the apple?

The initial velocity of the bus affects the motion of the apple because it determines the horizontal component of the apple's velocity. This means that the apple will have a horizontal displacement as it falls due to the movement of the bus.

Why does the apple follow a curved path instead of a straight one?

The apple follows a curved path due to the force of gravity pulling it towards the ground. As the apple falls, the force of gravity acts on it at a constant rate, causing it to accelerate towards the ground. This acceleration results in a curved path known as a parabola.

How does the mass of the apple affect its motion?

The mass of the apple does not affect its motion in this scenario because we assume that the apple has a constant mass throughout its fall. This means that the force of gravity acting on the apple is constant and therefore its acceleration will also be constant.

What other factors may affect the motion of the apple in this scenario?

Other factors that may affect the motion of the apple include air resistance, wind speed, and any other external forces acting on the apple. However, in this scenario, we assume that these factors are negligible and only consider the force of gravity and the initial velocity of the bus.

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