Calculating Displacement: Magnitude & Direction of a Car's Motion

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the displacement of a car that travels north at 5.2 m/s for 92 seconds and then east at the same speed for 22 seconds. The magnitude of the final displacement was correctly calculated as 492 meters using the Pythagorean theorem. However, the direction of the final displacement was initially miscalculated as 13 degrees North of East, which was incorrect. The correct interpretation requires distinguishing between North of East and East of North, emphasizing the importance of accurate directional notation in vector analysis.

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Homework Statement


A car travels north with a velocity of 5.2-m/s for 92-seconds. It then turns east, and with the same speed travels for a further 22-seconds. Calculate the magnitude of the final displacement of the car.

Now give the direction of the final displacement of the car. Give your answer in degrees North of East.

Homework Equations


pythargaros

The Attempt at a Solution


Hi i have calculated the magnitude (492m) by doing 5.2 x 92 and 5.2 x 22 and using pythagaros

For the 2nd part (direction in degrees). I did tan^-1(114.2/478.4) and got 13 degrees. this was wrong
 
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Hello Zbrah, welcome to PF :smile: !

13 degrees North of East ?
 
BvU said:
Hello Zbrah, welcome to PF :smile: !

13 degrees North of East ?
I wrote that in my answers, but it was wrong :(
 
Make a little drawing. You'll immediately see the difference between 13 degrees North of East and 13 degrees East of North...
 
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