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29 problems tagged with relative motion

Mechanics › Kinematics
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Mechanics › Kinematics
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Mechanics › Kinematics

P0336

Expert Mechanics › Kinematics

Velocity Analysis of a Rolling Spool

A spool is formed by a small cylinder of radius $r$ coaxially fixed to a large cylinder of radius $R$. A string is wound on the inner cylinder. The string is drawn out, passes over a pulley Q, and its end is pulled with a constant velocity $v$. Simultaneously, the spool rolls without slipping on a horizontal surface. The segment of the string from the spool to the pulley, PQ, makes an angle $\varphi$ with the horizontal, as shown in the diagram.

Find the expression for the speed of the spool's center, O, as a function of the angle $\varphi$.
relative motion Circular Motion

P0216

Beginner Mechanics › Kinematics

Relative Motion of an Object Dropped From a Plane

An airplane is in uniform linear motion in the horizontal direction. An object is dropped from the plane. Air resistance is negligible.

From the pilot's perspective, what kind of motion does the dropped object undergo?
relative motion

P0300

Intermediate Mechanics › Kinematics

Relative Velocity and Acceleration of Two Vehicles

In an overhead view, two jeeps, P and B, race past a stationary observer A. Let East be the positive x-direction and North be the positive y-direction. Relative to observer A, jeep B travels at a constant speed $v_B$ at an angle $\theta_2$ south of east. Relative to observer A, jeep P accelerates from rest at a constant rate $a_P$ at an angle $\theta_1$ north of east. At a certain time, jeep P has a speed $v_P$.

  1. What is the magnitude of the velocity of P relative to B at that time?
  2. What is the direction of the velocity of P relative to B at that time?
  3. What is the magnitude of the acceleration of P relative to B?
  4. What is the direction of the acceleration of P relative to B?
relative motion

P0227

Intermediate Mechanics › Kinematics

Determining True Wind Velocity from Apparent Wind

A person is riding a bicycle north at a speed of 6 m/s. The cyclist feels an apparent wind with a speed of 8 m/s, directed to the east.

Find the velocity (magnitude and direction) of the wind relative to the ground (the true wind).
relative motion

P0333

Advanced Mechanics › Kinematics

Kinematics of a Weight on a Pulley System

As shown in the figure, one end of a thin rope is fixed at point A. A weight B is attached to the rope at a distance $a$ from A, making the length of segment AB constant, $l_{AB} = a$. The other end of the rope passes over a fixed pulley at point C. Points A and C lie on the same horizontal line. The free end of the rope is pulled with a constant speed $v$. At the instant shown, the rope segments AB and BC make angles $\alpha$ and $\beta$ with the horizontal, respectively.

  1. Find the velocity of point B, $\vec{v}_B$.
  2. Find the acceleration of point B along the direction of AB, $a_{B, AB}$.
  3. Find the acceleration of point B along the direction of BC, $a_{B, BC}$.
Circular Motion relative motion

P0226

Beginner Mechanics › Kinematics

Relative Velocity of Raindrops to a Moving Train

A train is moving east at a speed of 8 m/s. Raindrops are falling vertically downwards with a speed of 6 m/s relative to the ground.

Find the velocity (magnitude and direction) of the raindrops as seen by a passenger on the train.
relative motion

P0325

Intermediate Mechanics › Kinematics

Relative Velocity Calculation for Two Boats

Boat A travels east at a speed of $v_A = 30$ km/h. Boat B travels due north at a speed of $v_B = 45$ km/h.

  1. Find the speed of Boat B as observed by a person on Boat A.
  2. Find the direction of Boat B as observed by a person on Boat A.
relative motion

P0239

Beginner Mechanics › Kinematics

Resultant Velocity of a Boat in a Current

A river current flows from west to east at 3.0 m/s. A boat is heading in a direction 30° east of north with a speed of 2.0 m/s relative to the water.

Determine the velocity (magnitude and direction) of the boat as observed by a person on the shore.
relative motion

P0238

Beginner Mechanics › Kinematics

Shortest Time for Ferry to Cross River

Consider a ferry with a speed of 20 m/s in still water, crossing a 600 m wide river. The speed of the river current is 17.32 m/s (as found in the previous problem).

  1. In what direction should the ferry head to cross the river in the shortest time?
  2. What is the length of the ferry's path across the river for this shortest-time crossing?
relative motion

P0283

Intermediate Mechanics › Kinematics

Relative Motion Analysis of Two Cars

Car A starts at position $x_{A0}$ with a constant velocity $v_A$. Car B starts at the origin with an initial velocity $v_{B0}$ and a constant negative acceleration $a_B$. Assume $v_{B0} > v_A > 0$ and $x_{A0} > 0$.

  1. What must $a_B$ be such that the cars are at the same position at time $t_1 > 0$?
  2. For this acceleration, what is the other time $t_2$ when the cars are at the same position?
  3. Find the critical magnitude of acceleration, $A_{crit} = |a_B|_{crit}$, for which the cars meet only once.
  4. For $A = |a_B|$, how many times do the cars meet if $A > A_{crit}$ or if $A < A_{crit}$?
linear motion relative motion

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