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

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The discussion focuses on calculating the final displacement of a car that travels north and then east. The car's total displacement was calculated as 492 meters using the Pythagorean theorem. The direction of the final displacement was initially calculated as 13 degrees North of East, which was incorrect. A clarification was provided that the angle should be interpreted as 13 degrees East of North instead. Accurate representation of direction is crucial in displacement calculations.
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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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