In this example we will solve a relative motion problem involving only two frame

Question

In this example we will solve a relative motion problem involving only two frames of reference. Suppose you are driving north on a straight two-lane road at a constant 83 km/h (Figure 1) . A truck traveling at a constant 106 km/happroaches you (in the other lane, fortunately).

A) Suppose you and the truck are both traveling in the northbound lane. (Let’s assume the truck has recently passed you, so we don't need to worry about a collision.) If we continue to let north be the positive direction, what is the truck’s velocity relative to you?

B) What is your velocity with respect to the truck?

Explanation / Answer

A) Since the truck passed me

truck's relative velocity is 106-83 = 23 km/hr

B) my velocity with respect to the truck is -23 km/hr

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