Physics · The frame of reference, motion in a straight line, speed and velocity

A ball is thrown from rear end of the compartment of train to the front end whic

A ball is thrown from rear end of the compartment of train to the front end which is moving at a constant horizontal velocity. An observer \( \boldsymbol{A} \) sitting in compartment and another observer \( B \) standing on the ground draw the trajectory. They will have

  • A. equal horizontal and equal vertical ranges.
  • B. equal vertical ranges but different horizontal ranges
  • C. different vertical ranges but equal horizontal ranges
  • D. different vertical ranges and different horizontal ranges

Step-by-step solution

Observer A is in the train's frame, which is inertial (constant velocity). For both observers, the vertical motion is determined solely by the initial vertical velocity and gravity, which are identical because the train's velocity has no vertical component. Thus, the time of flight and vertical range are the same. Horizontally, observer A sees the ball's horizontal velocity relative to the train, while observer B sees the sum of that and the train's velocity. Since time of flight is equal, the horizontal ranges differ: observer B sees a larger horizontal range (if the train moves forward). Hence, vertical ranges are equal, horizontal ranges differ.
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