Chapter 2, Problem 1RQ

Review Question 2.1 What does the statement “Motion is relative” mean?

To determine

The meaning of the statement “Motion is relative.”

Answer to Problem 1RQ

Solution:

“Motion is relative” means the motion of the object is defined relative to the motion of the observer.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

It depends on the motion of the observer that the object is at rest or in motion.

Explanation:

When the observer, standing on the ground, is observing a car then according to him car is moving on the road but the person sitting inside the car observes that the car is at rest.

So, the car is in motion according to the observer and the same car is at rest according to the person sitting inside the car. So, whether the body is moving or not depends on the motion of the observer. Thus, the motion of the car can be said as relative depending on the observer.

Conclusion:

Motion of an object depends on the motion of the observer.