When observed from a fast-moving train, nearby objects (like trees and poles) appear to move rapidly in the opposite direction, while distant objects (like hills, the Moon, or stars) appear almost stationary. What is the correct explanation for this observation?
| 1. | Distant objects are stationary because they are not affected by the motion of the train. |
| 2. | The eyes cannot focus on distant objects while the train is moving. |
| 3. | The apparent motion of objects depends on their distance from the observer nearby objects show a larger angular shift than distant ones. |
| 4. | The train exerts a force on nearby objects, making them appear to move in the opposite direction. |
A line of sight is defined as an imaginary line joining an object and an observer’s eye. When we observe nearby stationary objects such as trees, houses, etc. while sitting in a moving train, they appear to move rapidly in the opposite direction because the line of sight changes very rapidly.
On the other hand, distant objects such as trees, stars, etc. appear stationary because of the large distance. As a result, the line of sight does not change its direction rapidly.
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