Checking my work - Displacement

  • Thread starter Thread starter kristy_vincen
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Displacement Work
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the total displacement of a boat that travels various distances in different directions. The problem involves understanding the difference between distance and displacement, which are distinct concepts in physics.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the calculation of displacement by considering the boat's movements north and south. There is a focus on distinguishing between distance traveled and displacement as a vector quantity.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on the correct approach to calculating displacement, emphasizing the importance of direction. There is an acknowledgment of the initial misunderstanding regarding the concepts of distance and displacement.

Contextual Notes

Participants are discussing the implications of vector quantities in the context of the problem, and there is a suggestion to visualize the movements to better understand the final position of the boat.

kristy_vincen
Messages
3
Reaction score
0
A boat which travels 100km[N], then 40km[N], and finally 80km . The entire trip takes 6.5 hours.
Calculate the total displacement of the boat

d = d2-d1
d = (-80) - 140
d = -220
d = 220km

Just want to make sure this is correct.

Thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
kristy_vincen said:
A boat which travels 100km[N], then 40km[N], and finally 80km . The entire trip takes 6.5 hours.
Calculate the total displacement of the boat

d = d2-d1
d = (-80) - 140
d = -220
d = 220km

Just want to make sure this is correct.

Thanks
Well, no, you are calculating the distance the boat travels (which has magnitude only, a scalar quantity), not the displacement (which is a vector quantity with magnitude and direction).
The boat travels 140 km north, then does a 180 degree turn and heads back traveling 80 km south. Where does it end up? (Draw a sketch). And welcome to PF! :smile:
 
Okay, so, I'm looking for the distance between the start and the finish.

d = d2-d1
d = 140 - 80
d = 60km [N]

Please tell me that's correct!
 
Yes, the displacement is 60 km [N].:approve:
 

Similar threads

Replies
11
Views
7K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 56 ·
2
Replies
56
Views
5K
Replies
18
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
9K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
5K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
6K