Chapter 3, Problem 19A

How fast are you moving relative to Earth when you are standing still? How fast are you moving relative to the sun?

To determine

The speed in which a person is moving relative to the Earth and sun when the person is standing still.

Answer to Problem 19A

Relative to earth= 0 km/s and relative to sun= 30 km/s.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

The object in motion remains in motion as stated by the law of inertia. On Earth, every object is moving with the Earth around the sun.

As every object is moving with Earth, the object speed is same as Earth's speed. So, one’s movement relative to Earth who is standing still is zero.

As Earth revolving around Sun with a speed is 30 km/s, so, one’s speed is same as Earth's speed.

Conclusion:

The speed of the person relative to Earth is zero, and the speed relative to sun is 30 km/s.