Calculating Rain Velocity in Different Reference Frames for a Traveling Car

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In summary, a car is traveling east at 35.0 km/h while raindrops fall at a constant speed vertically. The raindrops make an angle of 55.0° with the vertical on the car's side windows. To find the velocity of the rain with respect to the car and Earth, you need to convert the car's speed to m/s and use trigonometry to solve the problem.
  • #1
kornkidcrazy
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A car travels due east with a speed of 35.0 km/h. Raindrops are falling at a constant speed vertically with respect to the Earth. The traces of the rain on the side windows of the car make an angle of 55.0° with the vertical. Find the velocity of the rain with respect to the following reference frames.



1. the car : ___m/s
2. the Earth: ___m/s



I don't know how to solve this problem. I am bad at physics and I can't find any formulas to save me. If some could help walk me through it, help me, or point me in the right direction, that'd be great. Thanks.
 
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  • #2
first need to convert units from km/h to m/s. Then it is all trigonometry. Draw yourself a diagram and label you knowns and unknowns. Post what you come up with.
 
  • #3
Ok, I converted 35km/h to m/s and I got 9.72222223. And I know the angle is 55 degrees. So, if I draw a triangle, I would label the angle between the hypotnues and adjacent 55 right?
I'm not sure what I am really supposed to draw or how I can convert 9.72222223 into the velocities I need.
 
  • #4
Like, what formulas do I use to find the velocity in this problem?
 

FAQ: Calculating Rain Velocity in Different Reference Frames for a Traveling Car

What is the "Traveling Physics Problem"?

The "Traveling Physics Problem" is a thought experiment that explores the concept of time dilation in Einstein's theory of relativity. It involves two observers, one stationary and one traveling at high speeds, measuring the time it takes for a beam of light to travel between two points. This experiment highlights the effects of relative motion and the concept of a universal speed limit, the speed of light.

How does the "Traveling Physics Problem" relate to Einstein's theory of relativity?

The "Traveling Physics Problem" is a thought experiment that illustrates one of the key principles of Einstein's theory of relativity, time dilation. This concept states that time moves slower for an observer in motion compared to a stationary observer. The experiment highlights the effects of relative motion and the constancy of the speed of light, which are fundamental to Einstein's theory.

What are the implications of the "Traveling Physics Problem"?

The "Traveling Physics Problem" has significant implications for our understanding of the universe and how time is perceived. It challenges our intuition about time and space and shows that they are not absolute but are relative to the observer's frame of reference. This thought experiment has also been confirmed through various experiments and is a crucial component of modern physics.

How can the "Traveling Physics Problem" be applied in real-world situations?

The "Traveling Physics Problem" has practical applications in modern technology, such as in GPS systems. The clocks on GPS satellites are adjusted to account for the time dilation caused by their high speeds, ensuring that accurate time measurements are made on Earth. This thought experiment also has implications for space travel and understanding the effects of traveling at high speeds.

What are some common misconceptions about the "Traveling Physics Problem"?

One common misconception about the "Traveling Physics Problem" is that time actually slows down for the moving observer. In reality, time is perceived as moving slower for the stationary observer, from the perspective of the moving observer. Another misconception is that the speed of light can be surpassed, which is not possible according to Einstein's theory of relativity. These misconceptions stem from a lack of understanding of the concept of relative motion and the constancy of the speed of light.

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