How to find the missing displacement (vectors)?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the missing displacement vector for a group of hikers after three days of hiking, given their resultant position and previous displacements. The subject area pertains to vector addition and displacement in two dimensions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the need to visualize the problem through a vector diagram and consider the resultant displacement. Questions arise regarding how to determine the displacement for the third day based on the given information.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants offering guidance on how to approach the problem by considering the vectorial sum of displacements. There is recognition of the need for more detailed work from the original poster to facilitate further assistance.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the displacements in the north-south direction do not affect those in the east-west direction, suggesting a separation of components for analysis. There is also an indication that the original poster needs to provide additional work for better support.

marbille9
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Homework Statement



After three days of hiking, a group of hikers are 30km N from their starting position. On the first day, they hiked 20km E. On the second day, they hiked 30km 53 degrees N of W, calculate their displacement on the third day.

Homework Equations



I haven't a single clue

The Attempt at a Solution

 
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Hi marbille9, welcome to PF.

Start by drawing the vector diagram out...The final displacement is the vectorial sum of their displacements on each day.
 
30km N is the resultant vector. But I don't kow how to find the displacement on the third day.
 
marbille9 said:
30km N is the resultant vector. But I don't kow how to find the displacement on the third day.

Well, the displacements in the north-south direction don't effect the displacements in east-west direction. Sum the individual displacements in each direction (i.e NS, and WE) and equate the NS to 30, and the WE sum to 0...


PS : You need to show some more work, so that you can be helped better :wink:
 

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