Chapter 1.5, Problem 2dT

During a small time interval $\Delta t$ from just before to just after instant 2, does the car move to the east, move to the west, or remain at rest in the reference frame of the truck? Explain.

In the space provided, draw an arrow to indicate the direction of the Instantaneous velocity vector of the car in the reference frame of the truck at instant 2. If the velocity is zero, state that explicitly.

Direction of instantaneous velocity of car in frame of truck at instant 2

Consider the following Statements:

Statement 1: “At: instant 2 the car and the truck arc side by side, so the velocity of the car in thetruck’s frame is zero at that instant.”
Statement 2: “Before instant 2, the truck is catching up to the car, so the truck sees the car as slowing down.”

Do you agree or disagree with each of the statements? Explain.