Answer the following with reference to comparing the motions of two bodies moving…

PHYSICS · Multi-part · AP · Physics 1: Algebra-based · Kinematics · Kinematics

Problem

Answer the following with reference to comparing the motions of two bodies moving simultaneously in a straight line. (i) Define the term "relative velocity of body

A

with respect to body

B

." (ii) Two bodies

A

and

B

have velocities

\vec v_A

and

\vec v_B

with respect to the ground. Write the vector expression for the velocity of

A

as seen by an observer on

B

and explain the meaning of each symbol used. (iii) If

\vec v_A = 5\,\hat i+2\,\hat j\;\text{m s}^{-1}

and

\vec v_B = 1\,\hat i-3\,\hat j\;\text{m s}^{-1}

, interpret physically the sign of each component of

\vec v_{A/B}

obtained from your expression in part (ii).

Related theory

Relative Motion & Reference Frames
Reference frames and point mass
Motion in a plane

Browse the problem library