How Do You Calculate Displacement Using Vector Components?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating displacement using vector components, specifically in a scenario where a physics professor travels in multiple directions: north, west, and south. The objective is to find both the magnitude and direction of the resultant displacement.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the method of components for calculating displacement, questioning the appropriateness of drawing triangles in this context. There are suggestions to consider the vertical and horizontal components separately and to combine them to form a resultant vector.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different interpretations of the problem and clarifying the approach to vector addition. Some guidance has been offered regarding how to think about the vectors involved, but no consensus has been reached on the specific calculations.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of confusion regarding the drawing of shapes and the need to consider opposite directions when calculating displacement. The original poster's attempts to visualize the problem have led to uncertainty about the correct method to apply.

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A disoriented physics professor drives a distance 3.40km north, then a distance 3.80km west, and then a distance 1.55km south.

Find the magnitude of the resultant displacement, using the method of components.

Find the direction of the resultant displacement, using the method of components.

I tried drawing it got some weird shape...not a triangle
 
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"using the method of components"
Drawing triangles isn't the method of components!

What would the displacement vector look like at each step?
 
Just think for a moment; you go north a certain distance, and you also go south a certain distance (not in that order). They are opposite directions, right?
Just try to think of the problem as having ONE vertical vector and ONE horizontal vector.
If you have more than one vector in either dimension, add them up to get one vector.

Then you get your triangle.
 
Shouldn't I subtract the south distance from the north?
 

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