Question

a bicyclist is riding on a road next to a train. the train is traveling to the right at 47m/s (relative to the earth) and the bicyclist is traveling to the right at 12m/s (relative to the earth). from the perspective of the bicyclist, what is the trains speed and direction? m/s

Explanation:

Step1: Identify the velocities

The velocity of the train relative to the earth $v_{t - e}=47$ m/s (right - positive) and the velocity of the bicyclist relative to the earth $v_{b - e}=12$ m/s (right - positive).

Step2: Use relative - velocity formula

The formula for the velocity of the train relative to the bicyclist $v_{t - b}$ is $v_{t - b}=v_{t - e}-v_{b - e}$.

Step3: Calculate the relative velocity

Substitute the values: $v_{t - b}=47 - 12=35$ m/s. Since the result is positive, the direction is to the right.

Answer:

35 m/s, right