Relativity: A bus with a vertical windshield

AI Thread Summary
A bus with a vertical windshield is moving at speed V in a rainstorm, while raindrops fall vertically at terminal speed V'. The problem requires determining the angle at which the raindrops strike the windshield. To solve this, it's essential to represent the speeds as vectors, combining both magnitude and direction. Understanding vector addition is crucial for finding the correct angle of impact. The discussion emphasizes the importance of visualizing the problem through diagrams and vector representation.
itssmee
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Homework Statement


A bus with a vertical windshield moves along in rainstorm at speed V relative to the ground. The raindrops fall vertically with a terminal speed of V' relative to the ground. At what angle do the raindrops strike the windshield?


Homework Equations



Kinematics equations


The Attempt at a Solution



The only thing I've attempted so far is the trying to draw the diagram. Even then, I'm still confused as to how the diagram should be drawn. I'm quite lost and do not know how to approach this problem. Thanks for all the help.
 
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itssmee said:

Homework Statement


A bus with a vertical windshield moves along in rainstorm at speed V relative to the ground. The raindrops fall vertically with a terminal speed of V' relative to the ground. At what angle do the raindrops strike the windshield?


Homework Equations



Kinematics equations


The Attempt at a Solution



The only thing I've attempted so far is the trying to draw the diagram. Even then, I'm still confused as to how the diagram should be drawn. I'm quite lost and do not know how to approach this problem. Thanks for all the help.

Did you draw vectors for the velocities?
 
phinds said:
Did you draw vectors for the velocities?

I'm really sorry, but I don't fully understand what you're saying.
 
Do you understand what a vector is? You are probably getting hung up on the fact that you are only taking into account the SPEEDS but you need to combine each speed with its direction to create a (velocity) vector. Then you will have 2 vectors that will give you the answer.
 
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