Visualizing a rock passing a window

In summary, the conversation discusses determining the location of a rock that was thrown horizontally outside a dorm window by analyzing a video of the event. The window is 118 cm tall and the rock was in view for 0.17 seconds. The rock first came into view 6 cm from the upper right-hand corner of the window and disappeared 108 cm from the lower right-hand corner. The conversation also clarifies the visual representation of the starting and ending points of the rock's trajectory.
  • #1
drjohn15
13
0

Homework Statement



You are videotaping a birthday party in your dorm room; your dorm window in centered in the frame of your video camera. Suddenly, a rock passes by your dorm window! Assuming the rock was thrown horizontally, and assuming that the rock was traveling in a plane parallel to the window, it is your job to determine, by analyzing your video of the event, from what location the rock was thrown.

When you look out of your window, you are looking due South. From the video, you are able to determine that the rock first came into view at a point on the upper window frame which is 6 cm from the upper right-hand corner of your window. The rock disappeared from view at a point on the lower window frame which is 108 cm from the lower right-hand corner of your window. Your window is 118 cm tall. You are able to determine from the video that the rock was in view for 0.17 seconds.

Homework Equations



N/A

The Attempt at a Solution



So I'm just having a bit of trouble visualizing this scenario. I've drawn a rectangle to represent the window, and its height is 118 cm. I've marked the initial position on the rightmost side, 6cm down from the top side of the window, moving left across the window.

If I'm correct up to this point, then my question is, where exactly is the final position (in terms of a visual representation)? Is it 108 cm leftward from the bottom right corner?


Thanks!
 
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  • #2
The top point is on the upper window frame. So it's 6cm left of the top right-hand corner, not down from the corner.

The lower point crosses the bottom of the window frame 108 cm from the bottom right-hand corner.

attachment.php?attachmentid=61284&stc=1&d=1377905761.gif
 

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  • #3
gneill said:
The top point is on the upper window frame. So it's 6cm left of the top right-hand corner, not down from the corner.

The lower point crosses the bottom of the window frame 108 cm from the bottom right-hand corner.

Awesome! Thanks a lot!

BTW, how did you make that graph?
 

Related to Visualizing a rock passing a window

1. How do you visualize a rock passing a window?

To visualize a rock passing a window, you can imagine yourself standing near the window and looking outside. Then, picture a rock moving in a straight line from left to right or vice versa, passing through your field of vision and getting smaller as it moves further away.

2. What factors influence the visualization of a rock passing a window?

The factors that can influence the visualization of a rock passing a window include the size and speed of the rock, the distance between the rock and the window, and the angle at which you are viewing the rock's movement.

3. How can visualization of a rock passing a window be useful in scientific research?

Visualizing a rock passing a window can be useful in understanding the motion and trajectory of objects in space, which can be applied to various fields of study such as astronomy, physics, and geology. It can also help in predicting and studying the effects of meteorites or other space debris passing through Earth's atmosphere.

4. Is there a difference in visualizing a small rock vs a large rock passing a window?

Yes, there can be a difference in visualizing a small rock vs a large rock passing a window. A larger rock may appear to move slower and have a more prominent trajectory, while a smaller rock may seem to move faster and have a less noticeable trajectory due to its size and speed.

5. Can visualization of a rock passing a window help in understanding the concept of relative motion?

Yes, visualizing a rock passing a window can help in understanding the concept of relative motion. By observing the motion of the rock from a stationary position, you can understand how the rock's movement appears to change depending on your perspective and the relative motion between the rock and the window.

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