Solving Physics Vectors: Car Velocity and Ball Velocity Relative to Kids/Road

  • Thread starter Thread starter jbjohnybaker
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Physics Vectors
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the velocities of a ball thrown from a moving car, specifically addressing two scenarios: the velocity of the ball relative to the children and the velocity relative to the road. The car's velocity is established at 20 m/s, while the ball is thrown at 2 m/s. The correct calculations yield a velocity of 22 m/s for both scenarios, as the motion is considered relative to the moving reference points. The concept of "relative to" is clarified, emphasizing that the reference frame determines the perceived motion.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts, particularly relative motion
  • Familiarity with velocity and its vector nature
  • Knowledge of reference frames in physics
  • Ability to perform basic arithmetic operations with velocities
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of relative motion in physics
  • Learn about vector addition and subtraction in velocity calculations
  • Explore real-world applications of relative velocity in different reference frames
  • Review problems involving multiple moving objects to enhance problem-solving skills
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, educators teaching kinematics, and anyone interested in understanding relative motion and velocity calculations in real-world scenarios.

jbjohnybaker
Messages
19
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


A child, sitting in the backseat of a car traveling at 20 m/s, throws a ball at 2 m/s to her brother who is siting in the front seat.
a. what is the velocity of the ball relative to the children?
b. what is the velocity of the ball relative to the road?

V of car = 20m/s
V of ball = 2 m/s

Homework Equations



Adding or subtracting?

The Attempt at a Solution


a. 20 m/s + 2m/s = 22 m/s
b. 20 m/s + 2m/s = 22 m/s

??
I am really confused
 
Physics news on Phys.org
When the problem states "relative to", it means pretending that the object, say the children or the road, is not moving. All the motion in the problem is based on everything else "moving" relative to the object you are using as your reference.

Does this make sense?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 38 ·
2
Replies
38
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
Replies
52
Views
5K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K