How Do Relative Velocity and Relative Path Differ?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concepts of relative velocity and relative path, with participants seeking clarification on their definitions and applications. The scope includes both theoretical and conceptual aspects, as well as connections to mathematics and physics.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Abdullah expresses confusion about the exact meaning of relative velocity and requests an explanation of relative path.
  • Daniel provides a detailed explanation of relative velocity, emphasizing the need for a reference system and how relative velocity is calculated between two frames of reference.
  • Daniel questions the relevance of relative velocity as a physics concept in a mathematics context, suggesting a disconnect between the subjects.
  • Another participant agrees with Daniel's sentiment regarding the inclusion of relative velocity in mathematics, sharing their own experience with the subject matter in their Additional Mathematics book.
  • A definition from dictionary.com is provided, stating that relative velocity is the velocity with which one body approaches or recedes from another, regardless of their individual motions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the relevance of relative velocity in mathematics versus physics, and there are differing opinions on the clarity of the definitions provided.

Contextual Notes

There is an indication of missing assumptions regarding the definitions of relative velocity and relative path, as well as the context in which they are taught. The discussion also reflects a potential misunderstanding of the relationship between physics and mathematics in educational materials.

DeathKnight
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What is relative velocity? I have solved a lot of questions relating to it but I'm still confused what EXACTLY is it? Its in my maths book so my mathematics teacher was not able describe this in detail. One more thing: I'll be much pleased if someone also explains what is relative path.
Thanks in advance for any help.
Abdullah.
 
Last edited:
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I don't know what "relative velocity",which is a physics concept,has to do with math books,but i'll try to give an explanation.
Velocity is defined as the varition of coordinate wrt to time.Coordinate is defined wrt to a reference system which is composed by a point in space (considered fix) and a system of coordinate axis.In a 3D space,there are 3 independent axis,which are usually chosen as the Ox,Oy and Oz axis.Suppose that this reference system is labeled with "1".That is,a point (a body) wrt to this reference system has the coordinate:[itex]x_{1}(t)[/itex].I chosed it unidimensional for the simplicity of the exposure.Chose another reference system.Another point and another coordinate.Label it with "2".Then the same body has in this reference system the coordinate [itex]x_{2}(t)[/itex].The velocities for the 2 systems are [itex]v_{1}(t)[/itex] and [itex]v_{2}(t)[/itex].Assume that one reference system is fix (the one with the label "1") and the one with the label "2" is moving with the speed [itex]v[/itex] wrt to the system "1" which,as i said,i assumed fix.Then the RELATIVE VELOCITY OF THE BODY wrt to the moving frame is
[tex]v_{2}=v_{1}-v[/tex]

The concept of relative velocity appears whenever you're dealing with more than one reference system.U must know that the concept of "velocity" requires a reference system.When there's one moving body,but more reference systems,then u can define the "relative velocity".


Daniel.
 
dextercioby said:
I don't know what "relative velocity",which is a physics concept,has to do with math books,


Daniel.
I feel the same way man. Its not actually in my maths book its in my addition Mathematics book(o'levels). They even had particle machanics in it with work energy power. I had the option to choose biology or Additional mathematics and I chose Additional Maths.
By the way that's for replying.

:approve:
 
Last edited:
At dictionary.com
Relative Velocity - the velocity with which a body approaches or recedes from another body, whether both are moving or only one.

If this is not clear try looking it up in an advance physics glossary.
 

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