A Level Maths Notes: M1 – Moving Particles, Position Vectors and Relative Position Vectors
For any particle moving on a flat surface, we can find
the position vector relative to a fixed point, by counting to the
right x units, up y units and writing down
If
instead we move to the left or down then
or
are
negative. Suppose though that the particle starts from the point
with
velocity
After
seconds
it will have moved by a vector
and
it' s new position will be at
This
is illustrated on the graph below.
If we have two particles, A and B, both moving Then the
position vector of B relative to A is given by![]()
If
then
the position vector of B relative to A is given by
![]()
and the velocity of B relative to A is
.
If the velocities of both particles are constant, as in this case
then the relative velocity is constant.
If particle A is initially at
moving
with velocity
and
B is at
at
the same time, moving with velocity 9i+10j the the position vector of
A at any time is![]()
The position vector of B relative to A is
and the velocity of B relative to A is![]()