Calculating the relative velocity is an example of ______a)Vector addi...
The formula for relative velocity is, Vector VR = Vector VA – Vector VB. Finding relative velocity is an example of vector subtraction. In fact, finding the relative value for any vector quantity, we need to do vector subtraction.
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Calculating the relative velocity is an example of ______a)Vector addi...
Understanding Relative Velocity
Relative velocity refers to the velocity of one object as observed from another object. To calculate it, we often need to consider the velocities of both objects in a specific frame of reference.
Vector Subtraction in Relative Velocity
- Relative velocity is fundamentally about determining how fast one object is moving compared to another.
- To find the relative velocity of Object A with respect to Object B, you use the formula:
- **VAB = VA - VB**
- Here, **VAB** is the velocity of A relative to B, **VA** is the velocity of A, and **VB** is the velocity of B.
Why is it Vector Subtraction?
- The reason we use subtraction rather than addition is that we are interested in the difference in the velocities.
- For example, if Object A moves north at 10 m/s and Object B moves north at 5 m/s, the relative velocity of A with respect to B is:
- **VAB = 10 m/s (north) - 5 m/s (north) = 5 m/s (north)**
- This subtraction reflects how much faster A is moving compared to B in the same direction.
Conclusion
- Thus, calculating relative velocity is an example of vector subtraction, as it involves determining the difference in motion between two objects in a given frame of reference.