Frames of reference, trajectory

In summary, the debate is whether throwing a ball in a headwind is the same as throwing it from a moving platform. The numbers provided for the static throw and the throw from the boat are a wind speed of 20m/s, vertical throw speed of 30m/s, Cd of 0.5, mass of 0.1kg, and diameter of 0.1m. The question is whether the trajectory, as viewed by the thrower, is different or the same in each case. The concept of physics being the same in all inertial frames is mentioned and it is suggested to look at both cases from the point of view of someone standing on the bank and then translate to the thrower's point of view
  • #1
James9118
1
0
I'm hoping you can help with a debate I'm having with a friend regarding whether throwing a ball in a headwind is the same or different from throwing a ball from a moving platform (lets say an open boat).

If you want some numbers, could you please work with these:

For the static throw, can we imagine the wind is blowing at 20m/s and the throw is made at 30m/s vertically. Cd of ball = 0.5, mass of ball = 0.1kg, diam of ball = 0.1m.

For the boat, this is traveling at 20m/s in still air. Same throw, same ball.

So is the trajectory, as viewed by the thrower in each case, different or the same?

Many thanks, James
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Physics is the same in all inertial frames. You just have to find appropriate inertial frames to apply this concept.
 
  • #3
Welcome to PF;
What mfb said...
Since the object is to be convincing as well as correct, I'd do both cases from the POV of someone standing on the bank and then translate to the throwers POV.
That should help.
 

FAQ: Frames of reference, trajectory

1. What is a frame of reference?

A frame of reference is a coordinate system that is used to describe the position and movement of an object. It is an important concept in physics and allows us to measure and analyze motion.

2. How does a frame of reference affect trajectory?

A frame of reference can greatly affect the trajectory of an object. The trajectory is the path an object takes through space, and it can look different depending on the frame of reference. For example, if you are standing on a moving train, the trajectory of a ball thrown from the train will look different to you compared to someone standing on the ground watching the train pass by.

3. What is the difference between an inertial and non-inertial frame of reference?

An inertial frame of reference is one in which Newton's laws of motion hold true. This means that objects in this frame of reference will maintain a constant velocity unless acted upon by an external force. A non-inertial frame of reference is one in which this is not the case, and objects may experience acceleration even without a force acting on them.

4. How do frames of reference relate to relativity?

Frames of reference are an important concept in the theory of relativity. According to relativity, the laws of physics should be the same in all inertial frames of reference. This means that the observations and measurements of an event may appear different depending on the frame of reference, but the underlying laws governing the event should remain the same.

5. Can a frame of reference be fixed or is it always relative?

A frame of reference can be either fixed or relative, depending on the context in which it is used. In the context of classical mechanics, a fixed frame of reference is often used as a point of reference for describing the motion of objects. However, in the theory of relativity, all frames of reference are considered relative and there is no preferred fixed frame of reference.

Similar threads

I Reference frames in terms of homogenity/isotropy
Replies
18
Views
1K
Coriolis effect example: ball tossing on rotating carousel
Replies
10
Views
5K
Earth's rotation having effect on sub-orbital trajectory
Replies
7
Views
2K
How can I accurately plot the trajectory of a spinning ball on a spreadsheet?
Replies
5
Views
4K
What is the Resulting Velocity of Ball 3 in a 3-Body Elastic Collision?
Replies
4
Views
2K
I Using reference frames for derivation of Lagrangian
Replies
25
Views
2K
I Galilean relativity in terms of homogeneity
2
Replies
51
Views
2K
Rectilinear movement seen from a rotating reference frame
Replies
17
Views
2K
Conservation of energy/momentum and difference reference frames
Replies
2
Views
2K
Centripetal Force: Inertial vs Non-Inertial Frame Time
Replies
1
Views
3K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top