College Physics
11th Edition
ISBN:9781305952300
Author:Raymond A. Serway, Chris Vuille
Publisher:Raymond A. Serway, Chris Vuille
Chapter1: Units, Trigonometry. And Vectors
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1CQ: Estimate the order of magnitude of the length, in meters, of each of the following; (a) a mouse, (b)...
Related questions
Question
![**Problem Statement:**
A man walks 18 km west and then 25 km south.
1. Calculate his displacement magnitude.
2. Calculate his displacement direction.
**Solution Explanation:**
To solve this problem, we need to determine the displacement, which is a vector quantity that indicates the change in position. It has both magnitude and direction.
**1. Calculating Displacement Magnitude:**
Displacement magnitude can be found using the Pythagorean theorem, where the legs of the right triangle are the distances walked west and south.
- Westward distance = 18 km
- Southward distance = 25 km
Displacement magnitude (D) is calculated as:
\[ D = \sqrt{(18 \, \text{km})^2 + (25 \, \text{km})^2} \]
**2. Calculating Displacement Direction:**
The displacement direction can be calculated using trigonometry, specifically by finding the angle θ using the tangent function:
\[ \tan \theta = \frac{\text{southward distance}}{\text{westward distance}} = \frac{25}{18} \]
The angle θ can be found using:
\[ \theta = \tan^{-1} \left(\frac{25}{18}\right) \]
This angle is measured from the west direction towards the south.](/v2/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcontent.bartleby.com%2Fqna-images%2Fquestion%2F0230ce43-5c88-4bf3-8b0e-9c1e9ef01169%2F028139a9-af46-4bab-944a-5e65ca6fa092%2F1zo6o85_processed.jpeg&w=3840&q=75)
Transcribed Image Text:**Problem Statement:**
A man walks 18 km west and then 25 km south.
1. Calculate his displacement magnitude.
2. Calculate his displacement direction.
**Solution Explanation:**
To solve this problem, we need to determine the displacement, which is a vector quantity that indicates the change in position. It has both magnitude and direction.
**1. Calculating Displacement Magnitude:**
Displacement magnitude can be found using the Pythagorean theorem, where the legs of the right triangle are the distances walked west and south.
- Westward distance = 18 km
- Southward distance = 25 km
Displacement magnitude (D) is calculated as:
\[ D = \sqrt{(18 \, \text{km})^2 + (25 \, \text{km})^2} \]
**2. Calculating Displacement Direction:**
The displacement direction can be calculated using trigonometry, specifically by finding the angle θ using the tangent function:
\[ \tan \theta = \frac{\text{southward distance}}{\text{westward distance}} = \frac{25}{18} \]
The angle θ can be found using:
\[ \theta = \tan^{-1} \left(\frac{25}{18}\right) \]
This angle is measured from the west direction towards the south.
Expert Solution

This question has been solved!
Explore an expertly crafted, step-by-step solution for a thorough understanding of key concepts.
Step by step
Solved in 2 steps with 2 images

Knowledge Booster
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, physics and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.Recommended textbooks for you

College Physics
Physics
ISBN:
9781305952300
Author:
Raymond A. Serway, Chris Vuille
Publisher:
Cengage Learning

University Physics (14th Edition)
Physics
ISBN:
9780133969290
Author:
Hugh D. Young, Roger A. Freedman
Publisher:
PEARSON

Introduction To Quantum Mechanics
Physics
ISBN:
9781107189638
Author:
Griffiths, David J., Schroeter, Darrell F.
Publisher:
Cambridge University Press

College Physics
Physics
ISBN:
9781305952300
Author:
Raymond A. Serway, Chris Vuille
Publisher:
Cengage Learning

University Physics (14th Edition)
Physics
ISBN:
9780133969290
Author:
Hugh D. Young, Roger A. Freedman
Publisher:
PEARSON

Introduction To Quantum Mechanics
Physics
ISBN:
9781107189638
Author:
Griffiths, David J., Schroeter, Darrell F.
Publisher:
Cambridge University Press

Physics for Scientists and Engineers
Physics
ISBN:
9781337553278
Author:
Raymond A. Serway, John W. Jewett
Publisher:
Cengage Learning

Lecture- Tutorials for Introductory Astronomy
Physics
ISBN:
9780321820464
Author:
Edward E. Prather, Tim P. Slater, Jeff P. Adams, Gina Brissenden
Publisher:
Addison-Wesley

College Physics: A Strategic Approach (4th Editio…
Physics
ISBN:
9780134609034
Author:
Randall D. Knight (Professor Emeritus), Brian Jones, Stuart Field
Publisher:
PEARSON