Simple,quick relative velocity question?

In summary, the boat is traveling at 10m/s and the sea is traveling at 5m/s. When calculating the boat's speed relative to the sea, we subtract the sea's velocity from the boat's velocity, giving us a relative speed of 5m/s. This is because the boat 'feels' as if it is traveling at 5m/s instead of 10m/s. However, when considering the boat's speed relative to the ground, we add the sea's velocity to the boat's velocity, giving us a total speed of 15m/s. This is because someone on the shore would feel the boat traveling at 15m/s. When in the boat, one would feel the resultant velocity,
  • #1
sameeralord
662
3
Hello I'll make it quick

Boat is traveling at 10m/s the sea is traveling at 5m/s. What is the speed of the boat relative to the sea and why?

Through vectors I worked it out to be 10m/s(not sure) but shouldn't it be five because if a person is standing in the sea and sees the boat it would be traveling at 5m/s.

The ship relative to the ground is 15m/s right.

Thank you!
 
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  • #2
B=boat
S=Sea
G=ground.

B/S= Boat relative to Sea


I assume if there is a diagram it looks like this


--------> boat
----> sea

[tex]\vec{v}_{B/S}=\vec{v}_B-\vec{v}_S = 10-5=5 m/s[/tex]


So the boat 'feels' as if it is traveling at 5m/s instead of 10m/s
 
  • #3
rock.freak667 said:
B=boat
S=Sea
G=ground.

B/S= Boat relative to Sea


I assume if there is a diagram it looks like this


--------> boat
----> sea

[tex]\vec{v}_{B/S}=\vec{v}_B-\vec{v}_S = 10-5=5 m/s[/tex]


So the boat 'feels' as if it is traveling at 5m/s instead of 10m/s

Thank you for your help. Isn't it 15m/s-10m/s. That is where my confusion lies. Isn't the boat relative to the ground 15m/s(someone in the shore would feel the boat traveling at 15m/s). When you are in the boat do you feel the resultant velocity or the actual velocity.
 
  • #4
sameeralord said:
Boat is traveling at 10m/s
With respect to what? The water or the ground? And in what direction?
the sea is traveling at 5m/s.
Presumably with respect to the ground.
 

FAQ: Simple,quick relative velocity question?

What is relative velocity?

Relative velocity is the velocity of an object in relation to another object. It takes into account the motion of both objects and their respective velocities in order to determine the overall speed and direction of one object in relation to the other.

How is relative velocity calculated?

Relative velocity can be calculated by subtracting the velocity of one object from the velocity of the other object. This can be done using vectors, where the magnitude and direction of each object's velocity is taken into account.

What is the difference between relative and absolute velocity?

Absolute velocity is the velocity of an object in relation to a fixed reference point, while relative velocity takes into account the motion of two objects in relation to each other. Absolute velocity can remain constant while relative velocity changes depending on the motion of the other object.

Can relative velocity be negative?

Yes, relative velocity can be negative. This indicates that the two objects are moving in opposite directions, or that one object is moving faster than the other.

How is relative velocity used in real-world scenarios?

Relative velocity is used in many real-world scenarios, such as calculating the speed and direction of a moving object in relation to a stationary object, or determining the velocity of objects in a collision. It is also used in navigation and transportation, such as calculating the relative velocity of a plane in relation to the ground or the velocity of a boat in relation to the water.

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