Answer to Question #167902 in Molecular Physics | Thermodynamics for Renad

Question

If I walk 20 miles north, then 15km east, then 10 km at 35 degree south of east, what is the magnitude of my displacement?

Answer 1

Answer

Let initial point is "O"

If I walk 20 miles =32.2km north (let point=A) , then 15km east(point B) , then 10 km at 35 degree south of east(point C)

Now displacement OB from triangle OAB

$OB=\sqrt{OA^2+AB^2}$

=$\sqrt{32.2^2+15^2}$

=35.52Km

Now final displacement

$OC=\sqrt{OB^2+BC^2}$

$=\sqrt{35.52^2+10^2}$

=36.9Km