Do images move faster than objects?

  • Thread starter Violagirl
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Images
In summary, a cat sees its image in a plane mirror 1 m away from the mirror. The image moves with a velocity of 2 m/s relative to the mirror. The cat lunges at the mirror at 2 m/s, causing the image to approach it at a relative velocity of 4 m/s. This is because the cat and the image are both moving towards each other, similar to two cars about to collide.
  • #1
Violagirl
114
0

Homework Statement



A cat sees its image in a plane mirror. The cat is 1 m from the mirror. A) Where is the image? B) The cat lunges at the mirror at 2 m/s. How fast does the cat approach its image?


The Attempt at a Solution



I understand that for a, the image would also be 1 m away from the mirror. I thought this would be the case for 2B too, that the image would move as fast as the object was found its image would actually move 4 m/s. I don't understand why this would be the case...Any input on this would be appreciated.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
The image indeed moves with 2 m/s but with respect to the mirror. So what is the relative velocity between cat and its image?
 
  • #3
The cat is moving toward the mirror cat, and the mirror cat is moving toward the cat. Think of it as two cars about to collide.
 

1. Do images move faster than objects?

No, images do not move faster than objects. Images are simply representations of objects and do not have a physical form or the ability to move on their own.

2. Why do images sometimes appear to move faster than objects?

This is an optical illusion known as the phi phenomenon. It occurs when a series of still images are presented in quick succession, creating the illusion of movement.

3. Can images be manipulated to appear to move faster?

Yes, with the use of animation techniques or editing software, images can be manipulated to appear to move faster than they actually are.

4. Is it possible for objects to move faster than the speed of light in images?

No, according to the laws of physics, it is not possible for any object to move faster than the speed of light, even in images.

5. How do our brains perceive movement in images?

Our brains interpret movement in images by combining information from our visual system, such as the direction and speed of an object, with our past experiences and knowledge. This allows us to perceive movement in still images.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
823
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
21
Views
608
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
5K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
835
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
13
Views
563
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
14
Views
2K
Back
Top