What is the total displacement?

In summary, the question asked for Asha's total displacement at each point in increasing order, with her velocity represented by II and her position at A:30, B:25, C:22, D:25, E:37. Initially, there was confusion about the direction of displacement and answers were given as A, B, D, E, C and C, B, D, A, E. However, it was later determined that the correct answer should be C, B, D, A, E.
  • #1
ilittlepotato
3
0

Homework Statement


So there are two rhinos chasing each other back and forth, Asha and her dad. What is Asha's total displacement at each point in increasing order(least to greatest)?[/B]
Asha's velocity is represented by II and her position at A:30, B:25, C:22, D:25, E:37.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


Initially, I didn't realize that displacement has direction, so I put A, B, D, E, C based on the differences of her position from her initial position at 30. My friend pointed out that direction matters so logically, it should be C,B,D,A,E; however, she put that and it was wrong. She asked around and someone that put A,B,C,D,E got 2.4/3pts which, indicating each correct letter is 0.6 points. The girl that got the fully correct answer put A, B, D, C, E.

I just want to know, the reasonable answer is C, B, D, A, E, right?
 

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  • #2
The displacements from the starting position are:

A = 0
B = -5
C = -8
D = -5
E = +7

ilittlepotato said:
The girl that got the fully correct answer put A, B, D, C, E.

Are you sure that was the correct answer?
 
  • #3
CWatters said:
The displacements from the starting position are:

A = 0
B = -5
C = -8
D = -5
E = +7
Are you sure that was the correct answer?
It turns out that the question was graded incorrectly so my friend was right about the answer being CBDAE
 

1. What is total displacement?

Total displacement is a measurement in physics that refers to the overall change in position of an object. It takes into account both magnitude (distance) and direction, and is typically represented as a vector.

2. How is total displacement calculated?

To calculate total displacement, you need to know the initial position and final position of the object. You can then find the difference between the two positions, taking into account the direction of movement. This can be done using a variety of mathematical equations and techniques, depending on the specific scenario.

3. What is the difference between total displacement and distance?

While total displacement takes into account both magnitude and direction, distance is a scalar quantity that only measures the overall length of the path traveled by an object. This means that total displacement can be 0 if an object returns to its initial position, but distance will always be a positive value.

4. Can total displacement be negative?

Yes, total displacement can be negative. This occurs when an object moves in the opposite direction of its initial position. For example, if an object starts at position 5 meters and ends at position 2 meters, its total displacement would be -3 meters.

5. Why is total displacement important?

Total displacement is important in understanding the motion of objects and their changes in position. It allows us to calculate important quantities such as velocity and acceleration, and is a fundamental concept in many areas of physics, engineering, and other scientific fields.

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