Question

A child is riding in a wagon. What reference frame might have been used if an observer said the child was not moving.

Answer 1

Answer:

the wagon should be used as frame of reference if an observer said the child was not moving.

Explanation:

The state of motion of a body depends upon the frame of reference. It is the set of co-ordinates according to which the motion is analyzed. If a child is riding in a wagon, then he will be considered in motion to a person standing outside the wagon. Hence, if we take a frame of reference outside the wagon then the child must be in motion with respect to the observer. On the other hand if the observer is inside the wagon, then the child must be in rest with respect to the observer. Hence, if we take the wagon to be the frame of reference, then the child will be at rest with respect to the observer.

Therefore, the wagon should be used as frame of reference if an observer said the child was not moving.