Marilyn’s trip: displacement vs distance statement true?

Question

Marilyn’s trip: displacement vs distance statement true??  
A. Disp 6, Dist 6  
B. Disp 14, Dist 14  
C. Disp 8, Dist 14  
D. Disp 6, Dist 14

Accepted Answer

Correct Answer: (D)Disp 6, Dist 14. 
Rationale: Marilyn’s trip has a displacement of 6 miles and a total distance of 14 miles.Distance measures the total path traveled regardless of direction, while displacement is a vector that represents the net change in position from start to finish, including direction. By adding the segments of Marilyn’s trip carefully, the total distance and the net displacement can be determined.A) Displacement 6 miles, Distance 6 milesThis option treats distance and displacement as the same quantity. Distance must include all segments traveled, not just the net change in position, so this value undercounts the trip.B) Displacement 14 miles, Distance 14 milesThis option ignores direction when computing displacement. Displacement is not the sum of all path lengths; it depends on the net effect of movements in opposite directions.C) Displacement 8 miles, Distance 14 milesThe total distance is correct here, but the displacement is miscalculated. Adding the directional segments incorrectly leads to an overestimate of the net change in position.D) Displacement 6 miles, Distance 14 milesAdding the distances traveled gives a total distance of 4 + 4 + 1 + 5 = 14 miles. Accounting for direction, the northward and southward motions partially cancel, leaving a net displacement of 6 miles south. This correctly distinguishes between distance (a scalar) and displacement (a vector).ConclusionMarilyn travels a total distance of 14 miles, but because parts of her trip cancel in opposite directions, her net displacement is 6 miles. Therefore, the correct statement is displacement 6 miles, distance 14 miles.

Marilyn’s trip: displacement vs distance statement true?

A
Disp 6, Dist 6

B
Disp 14, Dist 14

C
Disp 8, Dist 14

D
Disp 6, Dist 14

Marilyn’s trip has a displacement of 6 miles and a total distance of 14 miles.

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Marilyn’s trip: displacement vs distance statement true?

A Disp 6, Dist 6 B Disp 14, Dist 14 C Disp 8, Dist 14 D Disp 6, Dist 14

Marilyn’s trip has a displacement of 6 miles and a total distance of 14 miles.

Topic Flashcards

Mini Quiz

Related Questions

A
Disp 6, Dist 6

B
Disp 14, Dist 14

C
Disp 8, Dist 14

D
Disp 6, Dist 14