RELATIVE MOTION
A boatman starts from point A on one bank of a river
13. RELATIVE MOTION G
with velocity vbr in the direction shown in figure. River
Relative is a very general term G
is flowing along positive x–direction with velocity v r .
In physics we use relative very oftenly. Width of the river is d. Then
For eg G G G
vb v r v br
Therefore, vbx = v rx + vbrx = v r – v br sin T
and vby = vby + vbry = 0 + vbr cosT = vbr cosT
Case I : If you are observing a car moving on a straight
road then you say velocity of car is 20 m/s which means
velocity of car relative to you is 20 m/s or, velocity of
car relative to ground is 20 m/s (as you are standing
on the ground. Now, time taken by the boatman to cross the river is :
Case II : If you go inside a car and observe you will find
that the car is at rest while the road is moving back d d d
t or t ...(i)
wards. you will say; v by v br cos T v br cos T
velocity of car relative to the car is 0 m/s
Further, displacement along x–axis when he reaches
Mathematically, velocity of B relative to A is represented
on the other bank (also called drift) is
as
G G G d
v BA = v B - v A x v bx t vr v br sin T
v br cos T
This being a vector quantity direction is very important
d
or x v r v br sin T ...(ii)
G G v br cos T
? v BA ≠ v AB
Condition when the boatman crosses the river in
14. RIVER–BOAT PROBLEMS shortest interval of time
From eq. (i) we can see that time (t) will be minimum
In river–boat problems we come across the following
when T = 0° i.e., the boatman should steer his boat
three terms :
perpendicular to the river current.
G
v r absolute velocity of river.. Condition when the boat wants to reach point B, i.e.,
G at a point just opposite from where he started (shortest
v br velocity of boatman with respect to river or
distance)
G
velocity of boatman in still water and v b absolute In this case, the drift (x) should be zero.
velocity of boatman.
? x=0
G
Hence, it is important to note that vbr is the velocity
d
G
of boatman with which he steers and vb is the actual or v r v br sin T 0 or v r v br sin T
v br cos T
velocity of boatman relative to ground. Further
G G G
v b v br v r vr §v ·
or sin T or T sin 1 ¨ r ¸
Now, let us derive some standard results and their v br © v br ¹
special cases.
Hence, to reach point B the boatman should row at an
153
RELATIVE MOTION
G JJJG
§v ·
1
vm OC , which will be represented by diagonal
angle T sin ¨ r ¸ upstream from AB.
© v br ¹ JJJG
OD of rectangle OBDC.
d d ? v rm v2r vm2 2v r v m cos 90q vr2 v 2m
t
vb v 2br v 2r
Since sin T ! 1 . So, if vr > vbr, the boatman can never
reach at point B. Because if vr = vbr, sinT = 1 or T = 90°
and it is just impossible to reach at B if T = 90°.
Similarly, if vr > vbr, sinT > 1, i.e., no such angle exists.
Practically it can be realized in this manner that it is
not possible to reach at B if river velocity (vr) is too
high.
15. RELATIVE VELOCITY OF RAIN W.R.T
THE MOVING MAN G
If T is the angle which v rm makes with the vertical
G direction then
Consider a man walking west with velocity v m ,
JJJG
represented by OA . Let the rain be falling vertically BD vm §v ·
G JJJG tan T or T tan 1 ¨ m ¸
downwards with velocity v r , represented by OB . OB vr © vr ¹
Figure. To find the relative velocity of rain with respect
G Here, angle T is from vertical towards west and is
to man ( i.e. v rm ) bring the man at rest by imposing a written as T, west of vertical.
G
velocity v m on man and apply this velocity on rain Note : In the above problem if the man wants to protect
also. Now the relative velocity of rain with respect to himself from the rain, he should hold his umbrella in
G JJJG the direction of relative velocity of rain with respect
man will be the resultant velocity of v r OB and to man i.e. the umbrella should be held making an angle
T (= tan–1 vm/vr) west of vertical.
154
RELATIVE MOTION
1. A man crosses the river perpendicular to space). The initial distance between O and
river flow in time t seconds and travels an P. After what time shall P reach O.
equal distance down the stream in T
seconds. The ratio of man’s speed in still
water to the speed of river water will be:
t2 T 2
(a) 2
t T2 (a) 10 s
T 2 t2 (b) 15 s
(b) 2 2 (c) 20 s
T t
(d) 20 3 s
t2 T 2
(c) 2
t T2
T 2 t2 5. A coin is released inside a lift at a height
(d) 2 2
T t of 2 m from the floor of the lift. The height
of the lift is 10 m. The lift is moving with
2. A train is standing on a platform, a man an acceleration of 9 m/s2 downwards. The
inside a compartment of a train drops a time after which the coin will strike with
stone. At the same instant train starts to the lift is : (g = 10 m/s2)
move with constant acceleration. The path (a) 4 s
of the particle as seen by the person who (b) 2 s
drops the stone is: 2
(c) s
(a) parabola 21
(b) straight line for some time and 2
parabola for the remaining time (d) s
(c) straight line 11
(d) variable path that cannot be defined
6. A man is holding an umbrella at angle
3. Two men P and Q are standing at 300 with vertical with lower end towards
corners A & B of square ABCD of side 8 himself, which is appropriate angle to
m. They start moving along the track with protect him from rain for his horizontal
constant speed 2 m/s and 10 m/s velocity 10 m/s. Then which of the
respectively. Find the time when they will following will be true-
meet for the first time.
(a) rain is falling at angle 300with vertical,
(a) 2 s towards the man
(b) 3 s (b) rain may be falling at angle 300 with
(c) 1 s vertical away from the man
(d) 6 s (c) rain is falling vertically
(d) none of these
4. P is a point moving with constant speed
10 m/s such that its velocity vector always 7. A man is sitting inside a moving train
maintains an angle 600 with line OP as and observes the objects outside of the
shown in figure (O is a fixed point in train. Then choose the single correct
choice from the following statements -
155
RELATIVE MOTION
(a) all stationary objects outside the train swimming at 10 metre per minute in still
will move with same velocity in opposite water, wants to swim across the river in
direction of the train with respect to the the shortest time. He should swim in a
man direction :
(b) stationary objects near the train will (a) due north
move with greater velocity & object far (b) 300 east of north
from train will move with lesser velocity (c) 300 west of north
with respect to the man (d) 600 east of north
(c) large objects like moon or mountains
will move with same velocity as that of the 12. Three elephants A, B and C are
train moving along a straight line with constant
(d) all of these speed in same direction as shown in figure.
Speed of A is 5 m/s and speed of C is
8. Which of the following is true 10 m/s. Initially separation between A & B
(a) path of a particle moving along a is ‘d’ and that between B & C is also d.
straight line with respect to the observer When 'B' catches 'C', separation between A
moving along another straight line must be & C becomes 3d. Then, speed of B will be:
straight line
(b) path of the particle depends upon the
coordinate axis system taken
(c) path of the man who projects a particle,
will be parabolic with respect to the
particle
(d) none of the these (a) 7.5 m/s
(b) 15 m/s
9. Two particles are moving along a (c) 20 m/s
straight line as shown . The velocity of (d) 5 m/s
approach between A and B is
13. A jet airplane travelling from east to
net at a speed of 500 km h-1 ejected out
(a) VA + VB gases of combustion at a speed of 1500 km
(b) |VA - VB| h-1 with respect to the jet plane. What is
(c) VA - VB the velocity of the gases with respect to an
(d) VB - VA observer on the ground ?
(a) 1000 km h-1 in the direction west to
10. A man who can swim at the rate of 2 east
km/hr (in still river) crosses a river to a (b) 1000 km h-1 in the direction east to
point exactly opposite on the other bank by west
swimming in a direction of 1200 to the (c) 2000 km h-1 in the direction west to
flow of the water in the river. The velocity east
of the water current in km/hr is (d) 2000 km h-1 in the direction east to
(a) 1 west
(b) 2
(c) 1/2 14. A man is on ship which is moving in
(d) 3/2 east direction with speed 60 km/hr. Waves
of ocean is taking ship towards west with
11. A river is flowing from west to east at speed 20 km/hr. Man start running on ship
a speed of 5 metre per minute. A man on with flag in his hand in north direction
the south bank of the river, capable of with speed 30 km/hr and wind is blowing
156
RELATIVE MOTION
with 50 km/hr, 370 towards south of west whose velocity is 2 km/h. Calculate the
then find the direction in which the flag is total time for total journey if the boat
fluttering, as seen by the man on ground. travels 2 km in the direction of steam and
(a) 370 south of west then back to its place :
(b) 530 south of west (a) 2 hrs
(c) 370 west of north (b) 2.5 hrs
(d) flag will not flutter (c) 2.4 hrs
(d) 3 hrs
15. A battalion of soldiers is ordered to
swim across a river 500 m wide. At what 20. A boat crosses a river of width 1 km
minimum rate should they swim along the shortest path in 15 mintues. If
perpendicular to river flow in order to the speed of boat in still water is 5 km/hr,
avoid being washed away by the waterfall then what is the speed of the river?
300 m downstream. The speed of current (a) 1 km/hr
bong 3 m/s. (b) 3 km/hr
(a) 10 m/s (c) 2 km/hr
(b) 5 m/s (d) 5 km/hr
(c) 4 m/s
(d) 3 m/s 21. A 100 m long train at 15 m/s overtakes
a man running on the platform in the same
16. A stone is just released from the direction in 10 s. How long the train will
window of a train moving along a take to cross the man if he was running in
horizontal straight track. The stone will hit the opposite direction ?
the ground in- (a) 7 s
(a) Straight line path (b) 5 s
(b) Circular path (c) 3 s
(c) Parabolic path (d) 1 s
(d) Hyperbolic path
17. The motion of the projectile as seen
from other projectile is-
(a) Accelerated motion 22. A train is moving towards East and a
(b) Uniform motion car is along North, both with sane speed.
(c) Motion with uniform distance The observed direction of car to the
(d) None of these passenger in
(a) East-North direction
18. A river is flowing from east to west at (b) West-North direction
a speed of 5 m/min. A man on south bank (c) South-East direction
of river, capable of swimming 10m/ min in (d) None of these
still water, wants to swim across the river
in the shortest time; he should swim : 23. A 100 m long train crosses a man
(a) due north travelling at 51kmh-1, in opposite
(b) due north-east direction, in 7.2 s then the velocity of train
(c) due north-east with double the speed of is
river (a) 40 ms-1
(d) none of the above (b) 25 ms-1
(c) 20 ms-1
19. A steamer moves with velocity 3 km/h (d) 45 ms-1
in and against the direction of river water
157
RELATIVE MOTION
24. Two bodies are held separated by 98m his hand. The water is falling vertically
vertically one above the other. They we downwards with velocity u. At what angle
released simultaneously to fall freely under to the vertical, he must tilt the tube so that
gravity. After 2 s the relative distance the water drops enter it without touching
between them is its sides?
(a) 4.9 m v
(b) 19.6 m (a) tan 1
u
(c) 9.8 m
v
(d) 392 m (b) sin 1
u
25. A particle (A) moves due North at 3 u
(c) tan 1
kmh-1 and another particle (B) moves due v
West at 4kmh-1. The relative velocity of A
v
with respect to B is (tan 370 = 3/4) (d) cos 1
(a) 5 kmh-1, 370 North of East u
(b) 5 kmh-1, 370 East of North
29. The speed of boat is 5 kmh-1 in still
(c) 5 2 kmh-1, 530 East of North
water. It crosses a river of width 1km
(d) 5 2 kmh-1, 530 North of East along the shortest possible path in 15 min.
Then, velocity of river will be
26. A man standing on a road has to hold (a) 4.5 kmh-1
his umbrella at 300 with the vertical to (b) 4 kmh-1
keep the rain away. He throws the (c) 1.5 kmh-1
umbrella and starts running at 10 kmh-1. (d) 3 kmh-1
He finds that raindrops are hitting his head
vertically. What is the speed of rain with 30. A ship X moving due North with speed
respect to ground? v observes that another ship Y is moving
(a) 10 3 kmh 1 due West with same speed v. The actual
(b) 20kmh 1 velocity of Y is
20 (a) 2v towards South-West
(c) kmh 1
3 (b) 2v towards North-West
10 (c) 2v towards South-East
(d) kmh 1
3 (d) v towards North-East
27. A stationary man observes that the rain 31. A river is flowing from West to East at
is falling vertically downward. When he a speed of 8 m per min. A man on the
starts running with a velocity of 12 kmh-1, South bank of the river, capable of
he observes that the rain is falling at an swimming at 20 m/min in still water,
angle 600 with the vertical. The actual wants to swim across the river in the
velocity of rain is shortest time. He should swim in direction.
(a) 12 3kmh 1 (a) due North
(b) 300 East of North
(b) 6 3kmh 1 . (c) 300 West of North
(c) 4 3kmh 1 (d) 600 East of North
(d) 2 3kmh 1
32. The rowing speed of a man relative to
28. A boy is running on the plane road water is 5 kmh-1 and the speed of water
with velocity v with a long hollow tube in flow is 3kmh-1. At what angle to the river
flow should he head if he wants to reach a
158
RELATIVE MOTION
point on the other bank, directly opposite (c) 2 s
to starting point? (d) 3 s
(a) 1270
(b) 1430 37. A man is running down the side of a
(c) 1200 road with speed of 6 m/s. A cyclist is
(d) 1500 going in the same direction with speed of 8
m/s. Find the velocity of man relative to
33. A man wants to reach point B on the cyclist.
opposite bank of a river flowing at a speed (a) – 2 ms-1
as shown in figure. With what minimum (b) 2 ms-1
speed and in which direction should the (c) 0 ms-1
man swim relative to water so that he can (d) None of the above
reach point B ?
38. A particle A is moving towards +X-
axis with speed 7 m/s. Another particle B
is going towards -X-axis with speed 3 m/s.
Find the velocity B relative to A.
(a) 4 ms-1
(a) u, 450 North-West (b) 10 ms-1
(b) u, 450 North-East (c) 0 ms-1
u (d) None of the above
(c) , 450 North-West
2
u 39. Two trains, one travelling at 54 kph
(d) , 450 North-East and the other at 72kph, are headed towards
2 each other on a level track. When they are
34. Two trains are each 50 m long moving two kilometers apart, both drivers
parallel towards each other at speeds 10 simultaneously apply their brakes. If their
ms-1 and 15 ms-1 respectively, at whet time brakes produce equal retardation in both
will they pass each other ? the trains at a rate of 0.15 m/s2. What will
(a) 8 s be the maximum distance travelled before
(b) 4 s hitting.
(c) 2 s (a) 1000.33 m
(d) 6 s (b) 1575.66 m
(c) 2041.66 m
35. A man is 25m behind a bus, when bus (d) does not collide
starts accelerating at 2 ms-2 and man starts
moving with constant velocity of 10 ms-1.
Time taken by him to board the bus is 40. Two particles move simultaneously
(a) 2 s from two points A and B, 300m apart. The
(b) 3 s particle at A, starts towards, B with a
(c) 4 s velocity of 25 m/s and that at B, moves
(d) 5 s normal to the former with a velocity of 20
m/s. Find the relative velocity of the
36. A ball is dropped from the top of a particle at A, w.r.t. to that at B.
building 100 m high. At the same instant (a) 13.02 ms-1
another ball is thrown upwards with a (b) 15 ms-1
velocity of 40 ms-1 from the bottom of the (c) 32.02 ms-1
building. The two balls will meet after (d) None of the above
(a) 5 s
(b) 2.5 s
159
RELATIVE MOTION
41. A man standing on a road has to hold 44. A man swims at an angle θ = 1200 to
his umbrella at 300 with the vertical to the direction of water flow with a speed
keep the rain away. He throws the
umbrella and starts running at 10 lun/hr. vmw = 5 km/hr relative to water. If the
He finds that rain drop are hitting his head speed of water vW = 3km/hr, find the speed
vertically. Find the speed of raindrops with of the man.
respect to (a) road (b) the moving man. (a) 19 ms 1
(a) 20 kmph and 10 3 kmph (b) 2 19 ms 1
(b) 10 kmph and 10 3 kmph (c) 3 19 ms 1
(c) 2 kmph and 10 3 kmph (d) None of the above
(d) None of the above
45. Two car travelling towards each other
42. A man crosses the river in shortest on a straight road at velocity 10 ms-1 and
time at an angle θ = 600 to the direction of 12 ms-1 respectively. When they are 150 m
flow of water. If the speed of water is apart, both the drivers apply their brakes
vW = 5 km/hr, find the speed of the man. and each car decelerates at 2 ms-2 until it
(a) 5 kmh-1 stops. How far apart will they be when
(b) 6 kmh-1 both of them come to a halt ?
(c) 7 kmh-1 (a) 86.5 m
(d) 8 kmh-1 (b) 87 m
(c) 85.2 m
43. To a man walking at the rate of (d) 89 m
3 km/hr the rain appears to fall vertically.
When he increases his speed to 6 km/hr it
appears to meet him at an angle of 450
with vertical. Find the speed of rain.
(a) 3 kmph
(b) 3 5 kmph
(c) 3 2 kmph
(d) None of the above
160
RELATIVE MOTION
ANSWER KEYS:
1. (c) 2. (c) 3. (b) 4. (c) 5. (b) 6. (b) 7. (a) 8. (d) 9. (d) 10. (a) 11. (a) 12. (b) 13. (a) 14. (a) 15.
(b) 16. (c) 17. (b) 18. (a) 19. (c) 20. (b) 21. (b) 22. (b) 23. (d) 24. (c) 25. (b) 26. (b) 27. (c) 28.
(a) 29. (d) 30. (b) 31. (a) 32. (a) 33. (c) 34. (b) 35. (d) 36. (b) 37. (a) 38. (d) 39. (c) 40. (c) 41.
(a) 42. (d) 43. (c) 44. (a) 45. (d)
For solutions, login to your Vedantu student dashboard
161
