Finding the Distance Traveled & Displacement of a Runner

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the distance traveled and displacement of a runner who completed four laps on a 400m track in 6.0 minutes. The total distance traveled is calculated as 400m multiplied by 4 laps, resulting in 1600m. The displacement, however, is determined to be zero since the runner ends at the starting point after completing the laps. This highlights the distinction between distance and displacement in physics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts such as distance and displacement
  • Familiarity with the formula for calculating distance (Distance = Speed × Time)
  • Knowledge of lap distance measurement (e.g., 400m track)
  • Basic arithmetic skills for multiplication and addition
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the difference between scalar and vector quantities in physics
  • Learn about the concept of speed and how it relates to distance and time
  • Explore more complex displacement calculations in different scenarios
  • Investigate real-world applications of distance and displacement in sports science
USEFUL FOR

Students in grade 10 physics, educators teaching basic kinematics, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of distance and displacement in motion.

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A Runner Completed four laps of a 400m track in 6.0 minutes. Find the distance traveled and displacement of the runner.

Ok i know that distance would be 400m * 4 laps obviously but how would you write that out? What would a formula be? (Complete guess below, obviously not right.)
d1 = 400m
? = 4 (meaning laps)
\Deltad = ?

and my formula and therefore statement would follow..

Second Question.
Isn't finding displacement for this questions pointless because you would be in the same place you started out as? Also i don't know the equation i would use to find displacement given only speed and time.

I am in grade 10 physics so please take it easy if you think there are obvious answers and please don't give me to complicated feedback :).
 
Last edited:
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Distance covered in 1 lap =400m
No. of laps run=4
Total distance covered=(400*4)m

I would assume that the displacement is zero because as you said, the runner finished where he started so.
 

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