3. Motion in a Plane

Concept Card: Relative Velocity in Two Dimensions (River-Boat & Rain-Man) 1. Fundamental Formulation of 2D Relative Velocity: The velocity of object $A$ observed from the frame of reference of object $B$ is given by vector subtraction: $\vec{v}_{AB} = \vec{v}_A – \vec{v}_B$ $\vec{v}_A = \vec{v}_{AB} + \vec{v}_B$ where $\vec{v}_A$ and $\vec{v}_B$ are measured relative to a … Read more

Concept Card: Vectors & Vector Algebra (Addition & Subtraction) 1. Scalars vs. Vectors: Scalar Quantity: A physical quantity completely specified by a numerical magnitude (number + unit) and sign. It obeys the ordinary rules of algebra. Examples: Mass, time, distance, speed, work, energy, temperature, electric charge. Vector Quantity: A physical quantity possessing both magnitude and … Read more