Calculating Displacement for Cody and Megan

In summary, to calculate displacement for Cody and Megan, you would need to measure their starting position and their ending position and then subtract the starting position from the ending position. The formula for calculating displacement is Δx = xf - xi, where Δx is the displacement, xf is the final position, and xi is the initial position. Displacement can be negative, indicating that the ending position is behind or below the starting position. Displacement is different from distance in that it is a vector quantity that takes into account the direction of motion, while distance is a scalar quantity that measures the total length traveled. The units for displacement are typically in meters (m) or any other unit of length, depending on the measurement system being used.
  • #1
mirandaeb
1
0

Homework Statement


3. Cody and Megan were trying to find a new tattoo parlor. They walked 58 m north and 32 m west. What was their resultant displacement?


Homework Equations


(32m)^2+(58m)^2=c^2

The Attempt at a Solution


(32m)^2+(58m)^2=c^2
1024+3364=c^2
√ 4388m^2= √c^2
c=66.24 m

Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!


 
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  • #2
Welcome to PF!
You have calculated the magnitude of the resultant displacement, but now you also need to calculate its direction, using basic trig for a right triangle. Be specific about direction...what angle does the resultant make with an x or y axis...
 

Related to Calculating Displacement for Cody and Megan

1. How do you calculate displacement for Cody and Megan?

To calculate displacement for Cody and Megan, you would need to measure their starting position and their ending position. Then, you would subtract the starting position from the ending position to get the displacement.

2. What is the formula for calculating displacement?

The formula for calculating displacement is Δx = xf - xi, where Δx is the displacement, xf is the final position, and xi is the initial position.

3. Can displacement be negative?

Yes, displacement can be negative. This means that the ending position is behind or below the starting position.

4. How is displacement different from distance?

Displacement is a vector quantity that measures the change in position, while distance is a scalar quantity that measures the total length traveled. Displacement takes into account the direction of motion, while distance does not.

5. What are the units for displacement?

The units for displacement are typically in meters (m) or any other unit of length, depending on the measurement system being used.

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