Reference Frames
The motion of an object is always considered with the reference to a time and position frame called as reference frame. The object takes a uniform or non uniform velocity with a particularly visible frame of reference. The frame of reference is considered to be the surface of the earth for all practical purposes.
For instance, in consideration of the movement of the objects, the surface of the earth is assumed to be the frame of reference and all the motion is considered with reference to the static point taken on the earth’s surface. The objects may be either in the same or opposite direction. Relative motion can be considered either along a straight line or in a plane, in multiple dimensions.
Relative Motion
Relative Motion is defined as the motion of an object when observed with respect to another object which may be either at rest or in motion. The concept of motion is relative in nature rather than absolute. As per the definition of motion, a body is said to be in motion or at rest if it changes its position with respect to the observer or a stationary object. This can be understood from the following example
Example of Relative Motion: Suppose you and your friend are traveling on a train sitting together and a boy standing alongside the track is observing you. Both of you don’t change your position with respect to each other hence both of you are at rest with respect to each other but with respect to the boy who was standing outside you and your friend are in motion because your position is changing with time.
Table of Content
- Relative Motion Definition
- Relative Velocity
- Reference Frames
- Motion in One Dimension
- Relative Motion in One Dimension
- Motion in Two Dimensions
- Relative Motion in Two Dimensions
- Relative Motion Problems
Hence we observe that the state of motion is different for different observers making motion a relative concept rather. The difference in the observation of the boy standing outside and you sitting inside is because of the different Frames of Reference.