# Vectors and motion in 2D (physics problem!)

1. Sep 9, 2009

### natty210

vectors and motion in 2D (physics 1111 problem!)

The bacterium Escherichia coli (or E. coli) is a single-celled organism that lives in the gut of healthy humans and animals. When grown in a uniform medium rich in salts and amino acids, these bacteria swim along zig-zag paths at a constant speed of 20$$\mu$$m. The figure shows the trajectory of an E. coli as it moves from point A to point E. Each segment of the motion can be identified by two letters, such as segment BC.

(graph is attached!!!)***

a) for each of the four segments in the bacterium's trajectory, calculate the x and y components of its velocity

b) calculate both the total distance traveled and the magnitude of the net displacement for the entire motion.

c) what are the magnitude and the direction of the bacterium's average velocity and for the entire trip?

#### Attached Files:

• ###### bacteri.jpg
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2. Sep 10, 2009

### tiny-tim

Welcome to PF!

Hi natty210! Welcome to PF!

Show us what you've tried, and where you're stuck, and then we'll know how to help!