Why Does a Bullet Fired from a Bullet Train Appear to Travel at 0 MPH?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the physics of a bullet fired from a bullet train traveling at 190 miles per hour. In a hypothetical scenario devoid of gravity and air resistance, an observer outside the train would perceive the bullet's speed as 0 mph. This occurs because both the bullet and the train share the same velocity, resulting in no relative motion between them. The example illustrates fundamental concepts of relative velocity in physics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of relative velocity concepts
  • Basic knowledge of Newtonian physics
  • Familiarity with the principles of motion
  • Awareness of hypothetical scenarios in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the concept of relative velocity in detail
  • Explore Newton's laws of motion and their applications
  • Investigate the effects of gravity and air resistance on projectile motion
  • Study real-world applications of physics in high-speed transportation systems
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, educators teaching motion concepts, and anyone interested in the principles of relative velocity and high-speed travel dynamics.

bondinthesand
Messages
15
Reaction score
0
So today in physics my teacher was talking about the bullet train that is in japan. SO this train is traveling at 190 miles an hour, and on this day there is no gravity and no air. a man walks to the back of the train and fires a bullet from the back. My teacher said that a person watching the train go by will see the bullet go 0 mph. why is that??
 
Physics news on Phys.org
If you fill in the details, then you can start to create a picture for yourself.

First for the example your teacher would have to state that this bullet travels at 190 mph, which is AWFULLY slow (may a low power air rifle). Given that information what is the only way to get 0 mph from two objects, each traveling 190 mph separately?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 28 ·
Replies
28
Views
4K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
8K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 26 ·
Replies
26
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
9K