Relative-Motion Analysis of Two Particles Using Translating Axes
Relative-Motion Analysis of Two Particles Using Translating Axes
A) vB – vA . B) vA – vB .
C) vB + vA . D) vA + vB .
A) one B) two
C) three D) four
APPLICATIONS
When you try to hit a
moving object, the position,
velocity, and acceleration of
the object all have to be
accounted for by your mind.
Therefore, if rB = (10 i + 2 j ) m
and rA = (4 i + 5 j ) m,
then rB/A = (6 i – 3 j ) m.
RELATIVE VELOCITY
To determine the relative velocity of B
with respect to A, the time derivative
of the relative position equation is
taken.
vB/A = vB – vA
or
vB = vA + vB/A
Find: vB/A
Plan:
a) Vector Method: Write vectors vA and vB in
Cartesian form, then determine vB – vA
Solution:
a) Vector Method:
vA = (650 i ) km/h
vB = –800 cos 60 i – 800 sin 60 j
= ( –400 i – 692.8 j) km/h
vB /A km/h
= tan-1( ) = 33.4
EXAMPLE (continued)
b) Graphical Method:
Note that the vector that measures the tip of B relative to A is vB/A.
vA
120
vB/A
vB
Law of Cosines:
(vB/A)2 = (800) 2 + (650) 2 − (800) (650) cos 120
vB/A = 1258 km/h
Law of Sines:
vB/A vA
= or
sin(120 ) sin
CONCEPT QUIZ
1. Two particles, A and B, are moving in ft
the directions shown. What should be vB 4 s
the angle so that vB/A is minimum?
B
A) 0° B) 180°
A vA 3 ft s
C) 90° D) 270°
Find: vB/A
aB/A
Plan:
GROUP PROBLEM SOLVING
Given: vA = 30 mi/h
vB = 20 mi/h
aB = 1200 mi/h2
aA = 0 mi/h2
Find: vB/A
aB/A
Plan: Write the velocity and acceleration vectors for A and B
and determine vB/A and aB/A by using vector equations.
Solution:
The velocity of B is:
vB = –20 sin(30) i + 20 cos(30) j = (–10 i + 17.32 j) mi/h
GROUP PROBLEM SOLVING (solution continued)
vA = –30 i (mi/h)
2. If theta equals 90° and A and B start moving from the same
point, what is the magnitude of rB/A at t = 5 s?
ft
A) 20 ft vB 4 s
B) 15 ft
B
C) 18 ft
D) 25 ft A vA 3 ft s