Solving the Displacement Problem: Find Magnitude of Total Displacement

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the magnitude of total displacement for a person walking a specified distance in two segments: first 21m east and then 34m at an angle of 47 degrees north of east. The context is rooted in vector analysis.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the need for vector knowledge and suggest drawing the path taken to visualize the problem. Questions arise about the applicability of trigonometric functions given the angles involved, and there is uncertainty about how to calculate displacement from the drawn path.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different interpretations of the problem and questioning the assumptions regarding the geometry involved. Some guidance has been offered regarding the use of vectors and drawing the path, but no consensus on a method has been reached.

Contextual Notes

Participants express confusion about the relationship between the segments of the walk and the nature of the triangle formed, indicating a need for clarity on the geometric setup.

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Homework Statement


A person walks 21m east and then walks 34m at an angle 47 degrees north of east.
What is the magnitude of the total displacement?

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


I'm not sure how you would go about finding the answer:confused: Help anyone?:-p
 
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I believe this is a problem which would require some knowledge of vectors to solve. since that is the case, draw the path he take and take the starting point to be 0. To calculate the total displacement, just draw a straight line from the starting point to the endpoint.
 
I know that displacement is the distance from the starting point to the ending point, but I'm not exactly sure how I would find it in that problem. I don't think I could use the trig formulas (sin, cos, and tan) because we're not dealing with a right triangle here. (Or does it matter?) So how would I find the answer?
 
Why ain't we dealing with right angle triangle? Like I said draw the path he took
 
Okay, so I draw the path. . . . then what? :confused:Would I subtract 21m from 34m to get the displacement?
 

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