Calculating Net Displacement: How to Find the Final Distance Traveled by Jim?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the net displacement of Jim, who walks in a specific pattern involving movements south, east, and north. The subject area pertains to vector analysis and displacement in physics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the need to determine the x and y components of Jim's movement. There are questions about the distinction between displacement and distance, as well as the context of the problem (e.g., whether it occurs on Earth or a plane).

Discussion Status

Some participants have offered hints and insights regarding the nature of the problem, including references to Pythagorean triples and the concept of hypotenuse in relation to displacement. Multiple interpretations of the problem are being explored, particularly concerning the definitions of displacement and distance.

Contextual Notes

There is uncertainty regarding the problem's setup, including whether it is a homework assignment and the implications of the environment in which Jim is walking.

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Please Help!

Jim walks 100m due south, 60m due east, and then 20m due north. What is his net
displacement (both magnitude and direction)?
 
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first figure out the value of y and x.
 
According to his boots, his net displacement is of course 180 meter, but I know that is not what the (bad) problem designer had in mind :smile:
 
kraaaaamos said:
Jim walks 100m due south, 60m due east, and then 20m due north. What is his net
displacement (both magnitude and direction)?

Is this a homework problem?

Also, does this occur on the Earth, or on a plane?
 
I have no idea. I assume he mans displacement, instead of distance. :S
Is the magnitude of distance the same as displacement?
 
Hint: 60, 80 and 100 constitute a Pythagorean triple.
 
Okay, I think I've got it.
It's kinda like figuring out the hypotenuse?

Thanks everyone : )
 
kraaaaamos said:
Okay, I think I've got it.
It's kinda like figuring out the hypotenuse?

Thanks everyone : )
Displacement means distance between original spot and final spot, "distance traveled" means the length of his entire pathway.
 

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