Veloctiy of image of a moving obect having constant veloctiy

In summary, when an object moves towards us at a constant velocity, its velocity remains constant with respect to us. However, when viewing its image in a stationary mirror, its velocity appears to change. This is because the mirror only reverses the image from front to back, making a car approaching from behind appear to be approaching from the front. This phenomenon is known as "rate of looming" and is used in cinematography to manipulate our perception of an object's speed and position. Rear view car mirrors are not effective in judging the position and speed of overtaking vehicles because of this effect.
  • #1
spectrum123
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If an object moves towards us with constant velocity, its velocity is constant with respect to us. But when we view its image in stationary car rear view mirror (or any stationary mirror), its velocity is changes? Why and How?
 
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  • #2
If the mirror doesn't change the size of the virtual image, then it only reverses the image from front to back so that a car approaching from behind appears to be approaching from in front.
 
  • #3
For example,A person is coming to you,starting from 1km away(Moving at constant velocity).At first,You would be seeing him getting bigger slowly but as he approaches closer,His rate of getting bigger increases.That's why you think him getting accelerated.
This is associated with vision.If our Field of view were parallel,the person will appear to be in the same size,No matter how far he is.
I need a little clarification of your question.
 
  • #4
But i think its velocity is constant with respect to us...
 
  • #5
Its due to relative velocity, that velocity appears different with respect to the car or you.
 
  • #6
I heard of an expression "rate of looming", which is supposed to be how we judge the rate of approach of an object - this is the rate at which the angle subtended increases and will work better for large objects which subtend a large angle (understandably).
In many circumstances we use this more than binocular vision or perspective clues - which is why the effect is used in cinematography (zooming etc.)and we 'believe' what the director wants us to.
This effect could also be responsible, I think, for the fact that rear view car mirrors are not good at helping us to judge position and speed of overtaking vehicles.
 

FAQ: Veloctiy of image of a moving obect having constant veloctiy

What is the definition of velocity?

Velocity is a measure of an object's speed and direction of motion. It is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude (speed) and direction.

How is velocity different from speed?

Speed is the measure of how fast an object is moving, while velocity also takes into account the direction of the object's motion.

How is the velocity of an object with constant velocity calculated?

The velocity of an object with constant velocity is calculated by dividing the displacement of the object by the time it takes to travel that distance. This can be expressed as the equation v = d/t, where v is velocity, d is displacement, and t is time.

Can the velocity of an object with constant velocity change?

No, the velocity of an object with constant velocity cannot change as long as the speed and direction of the object's motion remains the same. Any change in speed or direction would result in a change in velocity.

How does the velocity of an object with constant velocity affect its image?

If the object is moving in a straight line, the velocity of the object will have no effect on its image. However, if the object is moving in a curved path, the velocity may affect the image's position, size, and orientation depending on the speed and direction of the object's motion.

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