Energetic Bus Driver

Classical Mechanics Level 1

A bus driver is driving at the speed of 10 m/s 10\text{ m/s} . He seems to be at rest according to the passengers in the bus, so they conclude that the kinetic energy of the driver is zero.

However, the pedestrians on the road see the bus driver move with velocity 10 m/s 10\text{ m/s} . They estimate his mass to be 60 kg 60\text{ kg} , and calculate his kinetic energy to be 3000 Joules.

Why have they found two different values of kinetic energy for the same driver?

The pedestrians made a mistake in estimating the mass of the driver. The passengers have got it wrong. Since the driver is moving, his kinetic energy can't be zero. Kinetic energy can change, if the frame of reference changes.

Pranshu Gaba by Pranshu Gaba

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1 solution

Golden rule- Rest and motion depend on frame of reference! \LARGE{\text{Golden rule- Rest and motion depend on frame of reference!}}

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