Objects A and B are at the origin. If object A moves to #(-5 ,-1 )# and object B moves to #(5 ,3 )# over #3 s#, what is the relative velocity of object B from the perspective of object A? Assume that all units are denominated in meters.

1 Answer
Shwetank Mauria
Feb 25, 2016

Velocity is #3.59# m/s in the direction given by #theta=21.8^o#

Explanation:

The movement of #B# relative to #A# is given by #((5-(-5)),(3-(-1))# or #(10,4)#.

Converting #(10,4)# to polar coordinates #(r,theta)#, they are given by#r=sqrt(10^2+4^2)# and #theta=tan^(-1)(4/10)# i.e. #r=sqrt(116)# and #theta=tan^(-1)0.4#

i.e. #r=10.77# and #theta=21.8^o#

As the distance is covered in #3# seconds,

Velocity is #10.77/3=3.59# m/s in the direction given by #theta=21.8^o#

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