A Relative-motion Microworld

Abstract

A relative-motion microworld has been designed to aid high-school students in understanding the concepts of relative motion and frames of reference. Relative motion and frames of reference are usually introduced in a high-school physics or mathematics course. Most students, and many teachers too, have difficulty understanding the concepts and applying them to solve problems. The traditional approach to relative motion uses vector algebra. However, vector terminology is complex and it does not allow a mental picture of what is happening to be easily built. students do not understand what it means to be in a different frame of reference and how moving objects appear within this reference frame. Most people have a much more intuitive approach to motion problems.