Final answer:
The relative velocity between particle A and B, which are moving in opposite directions, is calculated by adding their speeds, resulting in a relative velocity of 6 m/s.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student is asking about the relative velocity between two particles traveling counter to each other along the same straight line. To calculate the relative velocity when two objects are moving in opposite directions, you add their speeds together. The velocity of particle A is given as 4 m/s to the right, while particle B has a velocity of 2 m/s to the left. Since they are moving in opposite directions, we consider the direction to the right as positive and to the left as negative. This would give particle B a velocity of -2 m/s if we are considering rightward motion as positive.
The relative velocity (VAB) between the two particles is the velocity of A relative to B and is calculated by subtracting B's velocity from A's velocity, VAB = VA - VB. In mathematical terms, VAB = 4 m/s - (-2 m/s) = 6 m/s.
Therefore, the relative velocity between particle A and B is 6 m/s.