A train is moving with a speed of 50 miles per hour. A man standing in the rear of a train car throws a ball toward the front of the train with a speed of 10 miles per hour. If a stationary observer outside the train sees this happen, what speed is the ball moving with?

Question

anonymous · Answer

so the 10mph is with regards to the stationary observer?

anonymous · Answer

i believe so yes

anonymous · Answer

so he must have thrown is at a speed of 50+10 = 60mph

anonymous · Answer

so 60 is the answer?

anonymous · Answer

did you understand the relativity here?

anonymous · Answer

yea he is going 50mph and he throws 10 so the ball would be going 60mph by the observer.... that correct?

anonymous · Answer

since the stationary observer throught that the ball moves 10mph beyond the train which is moving at 50mph, the ball itself must be moving 10mph faster than the train

anonymous · Answer

okay i got it thanks... you have been so helpful!

anonymous · Answer

yw :)