3.5 Relative Velocity in Two Dimensions Relative Motion

Explanation: This applet illustrates the concept of relative velocity as discussed in chapter 3 Sections 4 and 5.  You can mimic the situations discussed in examples 3.5 and 3.6 when you use only velocities that are parallel the river. Giving the person a lateral speed will enable you to simulate the motion of the boat in example 3.7 or the motion of the dolphin in example 3.9.  The 2D mode illustrates the behavior of a projectile (a ball thrown upward) relative to two frames of reference. The ball follows a parabolic path when viewed relative to ground.  The horizontal component of its velocity is then equal to the velocity of the barge, its acceleration is g.

Source: Fu-Kwun Hwang