Solving Vector Operations: 4 Sets of Displacement

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem involving vector operations, specifically assessing which sets of displacement could potentially return a car to its starting point. The sets of displacements provided are numerical values representing distances in kilometers.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the implications of the given displacements and question the completeness of the problem, particularly regarding the lack of directional information. Some suggest examining the longest displacement in relation to the others to determine if a return to the starting point is feasible.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants offering insights into the nature of displacement as a vector quantity. Some guidance has been provided regarding the concept of a null vector and how it relates to the problem, but there is no explicit consensus on the interpretation of the question or the completeness of the information given.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the problem lacks directionality, which is essential for defining displacements as vectors. This raises questions about the validity of the provided sets as true displacements.

amaresh92
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can anyone tell me how to deal with this question-:

which of the following sets of displacement might be capable of bringing a car to its starting point?
a. 5,10,30 and 50km
b. 40,50,90and 200km
c. 10,20,40and 90km
d. 5,7,9and 16km

advanced thanks.
 
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amaresh92 said:
can anyone tell me how to deal with this question-:

which of the following sets of displacement might be capable of bringing a car to its starting point?
a. 5,10,30 and 50km
b. 40,50,90and 200km
c. 10,20,40and 90km
d. 5,7,9and 16km

advanced thanks.
Can you give us the whole question as it is written, exactly?

AM
 


but this much only is given.
 


Look at the longest displacement and see if the car can make it backwards with the other displacements. The car do not need to go along a straight line.

ehild
 


what is the use of null or zero vector.
 


A vector with length zero is called null vector or zero vector. If you write the vector sum of all the displacements and the resultant is zero that means that the car returned to its original position.

ehild
 


amaresh92 said:
but this much only is given.
These are not displacements. A displacement is a vector quantity having distance and direction. There is no direction given. So the question that you have provided is not complete.

AM
 


Those set of numbers are presumably lengths of displacements. If the car goes 50 km at one direction, it never gets back with any displacements of length 5, 10 and 30 km, but displacement vectors of length 5, 7, 9 and 16 km can result in a null vector.

ehild
 

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