Problem 2-2: Distance and displacement of a given Path B

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PROBLEM:

Find the following for path B in the figure:

(a) The distance traveled.

(b) The magnitude of the displacement from start to finish.

(c) The displacement from start to finish.


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SOLUTION:

Part a

Based on the figure, B travels from 12 to 7. The distance traveled is 5 meters.

Part b

The magnitude of the displacement is 5 meters.

Part c

The displacement is calculated keeping in mind the sign. The motion started at 12 and ended at 7. Therefore, the displacement is

\Delta x=7\:\text{m}-12\:\text{m}=-5\:\text{meters} \ \qquad \ \color{DarkOrange} \left( \text{Answer} \right)

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