Question

question 9 of 10
the diagram below shows the velocities of two cyclists.
8 m/s west
cyclist 1
3 m/s west
cyclist 2
from the frame of reference of cyclist 2, what is the velocity of cyclist 1?
a. 3 m/s east
b. 5 m/s east
c. 3 m/s west
d. 5 m/s west

Explanation:

Step1: Define velocity vectors

Let the west - direction be positive. Velocity of cyclist 1, $v_1 = 8\ m/s$, velocity of cyclist 2, $v_2=3\ m/s$.

Step2: Calculate relative velocity

The relative velocity of cyclist 1 with respect to cyclist 2 is $v = v_1 - v_2$. Substituting the values, we get $v=(8 - 3)\ m/s=5\ m/s$. Since the positive direction is west, from cyclist 2's frame of reference, cyclist 1 is moving 5 m/s west.

Answer:

D. 5 m/s west