Throwing a ball out of the end of a moving train

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  • #1
Dnj23
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Let's say there is a train moving at 50 mph on the moon on a flat surface (say it's a perfect vacuum) and you are on the last cart where you throw a ball out the rear in the opposite direction the train is moving (directly away from it, parallel to the ground). The ball thrown is also instantaneously 50 mph. Let's also also say that there is an observer on the ground by the track not moving, and the ball was thrown just as it passed the observer.

From the ground observer, would the ball appear to not move at all in the vacuum, then fall to the ground, maybe bounce up and down a few times, but never move an inch?
 
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  • #2
Dnj23 said:
Let's say there is a train moving at 50 mph on the moon on a flat surface (say it's a perfect vacuum) and you are on the last cart where you throw a ball out the rear in the opposite direction the train is moving (directly away from it, parallel to the ground). The ball thrown is also instantaneously 50 mph. Let's also also say that there is an observer on the ground by the track not moving, and the ball was thrown just as it passed the observer.

From the ground observer, would the ball appear to not move at all in the vacuum, then fall to the ground, maybe bounce up and down a few times, but never move an inch?
What do you think and why?
 
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  • #3
Perhaps this can give you some insight:
 
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  • #4
Motore said:
Perhaps this can give you some insight:
I see you are new to the forum, so you may not have gotten the hang of the guidelines yet but you are not supposed to spoon-feed an answer, particularly when the OP has been asked to give more information or show his own attempt at a problem, as was the case prior to your post.
 

1. How far will the ball travel when thrown out of the end of a moving train?

The distance the ball travels will depend on the initial speed of the train, the angle at which the ball is thrown, and the air resistance. It is difficult to determine an exact distance without more information.

2. Will the ball travel in a straight line or will it curve?

The ball will follow a curved path due to the combined forces of its initial velocity and the force of gravity. This curved path is known as a parabola.

3. Will the speed of the train affect the distance the ball travels?

Yes, the speed of the train will impact the distance the ball travels. A faster moving train will provide a greater initial velocity for the ball, resulting in a longer distance traveled.

4. What other factors may affect the ball's trajectory?

Air resistance, the angle at which the ball is thrown, and any external forces acting on the ball (such as wind or gravity) can all affect the ball's trajectory.

5. Is it possible for the ball to return to the train after being thrown out of the end?

In most cases, it is highly unlikely for the ball to return to the train after being thrown out of the end. The ball would need to be thrown at a very specific angle and the train would need to slow down significantly for this to occur.

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