Final answer:
A relative frame of reference is utilized when someone on a platform observes a friend on a train appearing to move away, while the friend feels stationary relative to the train. This example highlights how the choice of frame of reference can affect the perception of motion.
Step-by-step explanation:
A good example of a signer describing something using a "relative frame of reference" is when you observe a friend waving goodbye on a departing train. From your perspective on the platform, you see your friend moving away at a considerable rate because you are using your stationary position as the frame of reference. However, to those seated on the train alongside your friend, she appears to be motionless because they share the same moving frame of reference, which is the train itself.
Understanding different frames of reference is vital in physics, as it allows us to describe and measure motion accurately. This concept is demonstrated by the different experiences of an observer on a platform versus passengers in a train. While the passenger may not feel the sensation of moving relative to the train, an outside observer will perceive the passenger as moving quickly.
It's crucial to remember that the choice of a frame of reference is relative and can greatly affect how motion is described and understood. This foundational idea is paramount to grasping the principles of physics, such as Newton's Laws of Motion and is an integral part of understanding relativity.