The discussion centers on the velocity of a person walking inside a subway train moving at 80 m/s. When the person walks forward at 2 m/s, an observer outside the subway would measure their speed as 82 m/s. The conversation also touches on the concept of acceleration, noting that if the velocity is zero, there is insufficient information to determine whether acceleration is nonzero.
PREREQUISITESThis discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of motion and relative velocity in practical scenarios.
whitehorsey said:1. If you are walking forward at 2 m/s in a subway that is going 80 m/s, then someone outside the subway will observe you to be moving at?
3. I think you just add it up so 82 m/s?
Also, what happens if velocity is zero, is acceleration nonzero or is there not enough information to tell what acceleration is?
PeterO said:With the subway car going past at that speed [288 kilometres per hour!] anyone outside the subway will probably have their eyes shut and be hanging onto a railing for dear life!
That aside - the person would be seen to be traveling at 82 m/s.
There does not seem to be enough information to ascertain and acceleration.