0
How position depends on the choice of a reference point and reference direction?
Wiki User
∙ 10y ago
The answer is so simple and obvious that it's almost impossible to explain. Th e only way I can think of to explain it is with an example.
If I phone you or text you, and I ask you where you are, and you reply "I'm 3 miles.",
you haven't given me any information at all ... I would have no idea where to go
in order to meet up with you.
You would have many many different ways to reply, but that wouldn't be one of them.
Here are a few ways you might answer me:
-- I'm 3 miles north of Jim's house.
-- I'm 1 mile west of school.
-- I'm across the street from the grocery store.
-- I'm on top of Suzie's house.
In fact, ALL of these descriptions might be the same place.
Any time you describe a place, there's always a reference point and a reference direction
from it.
"Jim's house", "school", "the grocery store", and "suzie's house" are all reference points.
"North", "west", "across the street", and "on top" are all reference directions from the
reference point.
Wiki User
∙ 10y ago
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
Does the displacement arrow depend on the choice of reference point?
Yes and no.Some use "displacement" only to describe a change in the position of an object from some initial starting point to some ending point. That is, there is a distinction between "position" and "displacement." The position would be defined relative to a reference point. In that case the arrow depends only on where the particle was and where it ended up and the reference point does not matter.Others use a definition for displacement which describes the difference between an object's position and a fixed reference point. That is, how far an object is displaced from a certain point even if the object had never been at that point. A distinction between position and displacement is not made. For this latter definition, the choice of reference point will make a difference in the direction of the arrow.In physics problems one usually only cares about the changes in position (and velocity, etc) and the choice of reference point will not affect these.
Why does the driver have gravitational potential energy?
Any object that is above the chosen reference level has gravitational potential energy. Note that the choice of the reference level is arbitrary - in potential energy, it is the difference between two levels that matters; it doesn't make sense to talk about the potential energy in absolute terms. However, the ground level is often chosen as a reference level.
Can the gravitaional potential energy of an object be negative?
Yes. Any object that is above a reference level has positive potential energy; anything below that reference level has negative potential energy. For example, if the chosen reference level is the ground level, anything below the ground level has negative potential energy. Please note that the choice of reference level is arbitrary. What matters is the DIFFERENCE in potential energy between two positions - and that doesn't change, whether you choose (for example) the ground level, or some other level, as a reference level.
How does Velocity of a moving object depend on choice of frame of reference?
All vector quantities, and many scalar ones too, depend on the frame of reference. There is no such thing as "real" speed or "real" direction of motion ... only speed and direction compared to the motion of the person measuring them. Example: A person is sitting in a comfortable seat, with a book in his lap. Since the book is not moving, he's able to read the book, and even drift off and nap for a few minutes. But the person is actually sitting in Row-14, Seat-B of a transcontinental jet flight. A person on the ground who watches the aircraft fly over him sees the book move by at 350 miles per hour ... too fast for him to make out any of the words in it.
Is a pen at rest in motion?
The theory of relativity says there's no absolute frame of reference, so as long as the pen is not accelerating it's your choice whether to use a reference frame in which it's at rest or in motion. In other words, your question is meaningless.
Does the displacement arrow depend on the choice of reference point?
Yes and no.Some use "displacement" only to describe a change in the position of an object from some initial starting point to some ending point. That is, there is a distinction between "position" and "displacement." The position would be defined relative to a reference point. In that case the arrow depends only on where the particle was and where it ended up and the reference point does not matter.Others use a definition for displacement which describes the difference between an object's position and a fixed reference point. That is, how far an object is displaced from a certain point even if the object had never been at that point. A distinction between position and displacement is not made. For this latter definition, the choice of reference point will make a difference in the direction of the arrow.In physics problems one usually only cares about the changes in position (and velocity, etc) and the choice of reference point will not affect these.
What is it called when congress does not approve the presidents choice for a federal court?
He has to find another choice for the position.
What explains the inclination of the earth on its axis is about 23.5 degrees?
It is explained by our choice of reference directions. If we decided to compare the direction of the Earth's axis to something different, then the number would change.
What is reference page?
Generally a reference page is a list of people you have worked with, school or employment that can give you a reference. Generally this page is attached so it can be adjusted to met the needs of the position. Do not put people that you have not spoken with and feel that they will give a good reference. Generally the more related to the position you seek the better the choice in references. Always include a current contact number or E-mail if you can. Some resumes will include the references within the body of the employment history. This is not recommended as it makes itdifficult to edit the information quickly.
Will one direction be at 2013 peoples choice awards?
no
Was one direction on kids choice awards?
Yes, they were
What position does Michael Choice play?
Michael Choice is a left fielder for the Texas Rangers.
How many kids choice awards did one direction get in 2013?
One Direction only won one Kids Choice Awards Orange Blimp at the 2013 Kids Choice Awards. They were given the Kids Choice Awards Orange Blimp for Favorite Music Group.
What awards did one direction win at the teen choice awards?
Choice Love Song Choice Summer Music Star: Group Choice Music: Breakout Group
What is the position of choice for someone with orthopnea?
Dorsal recumbent
When congress doesn't approve a presidents choice for a federal court this is an example of?
He has to find another choice for the position.
When Congress doesn't approve a president's choice for a federal court this is an example of .?
He has to find another choice for the position.
