Question

A disoriented physics professor drives 3.25 km north, then 2.20 km west, and then 1.50 km south. Find the magnitude and direction of the resultant displacement using the component method.

Answer 1

Find the magnitude and direction of the resultant displacement:

$$D_N=3.25-1.5=1.75\text{ km}.\\ D_W=2.2\text{ km}.\\ D=\sqrt{D_N^2+D_W^2}=2.81\text{ km},\\\space\\ \theta=\arctan\dfrac{1.75}{2.2}=38.5°\text{ N of W.}$$