Negative value of displacement

In summary, the question asks for the distance required for a car to stop when traveling rightward and slamming on the brakes, with locked wheels. The answer given is -33.6 m, which is negative due to the chosen direction of the "X-axis" for analysis in the provided exercise. In reality, a precise negative number would not be given, but rather a rough estimate such as "car stops in 100 feet" or "30m". The poster is advised to seek help in the homework help forums with a complete question and their work for further assistance.
  • #1
Anna55
20
0
A car traveling rightward slams on the breaks and skids to a stop (with locked wheels). Find the distance required to stop it. (I have taken away some parts of the question.)

The answer became -33.6 m. Why is the value negative? Thank you in advance!
 
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  • #2
Because it is a school excercise rather than real (engineering, forensic, scientific) life, and your teacher (author of the excercise) chose such direction for "X-axis" used to analyse the problem.

In reality no one would give you a negative number as an answer. Probably no one would also give so precise number, rather that "car stops in 100 feet" "30m", or maybe even "33m"
 
  • #3
You should be posting this in the homework help forums. Also you need to post the correct and complete problem.

It is clear you have made a mistake but there is no way to help you due to insufficient information.

Locked: Please post a a complete question with your work in the homework help forums.
 

1. What is displacement and how is it measured?

Displacement is the change in an object's position from its initial point to its final point. It is typically measured in meters (m) or other units of length using a ruler or measuring device.

2. Why can displacement have a negative value?

Displacement can have a negative value if an object moves in the opposite direction of the positive direction. This means that the final position is behind the initial position, resulting in a negative displacement value.

3. How is negative displacement different from positive displacement?

Negative displacement indicates that an object has moved backwards or in the opposite direction of the positive direction. Positive displacement, on the other hand, means that an object has moved forwards or in the same direction as the positive direction.

4. Can displacement ever be zero?

Yes, displacement can be zero if an object returns to its initial position after moving. This means that the change in position is zero, resulting in a displacement value of zero.

5. Is negative displacement always a bad thing?

No, negative displacement is not always a bad thing. It simply indicates the direction of an object's movement. For example, a car backing up has a negative displacement, but it is necessary for the car to move in that direction. Negative displacement is only a concern if it is unexpected or unwanted in a particular situation.

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