I cant seem to figure this out? I dont know how to start it...A car travels north at 30m/s for 10 minutes. It then travels south at 40m/s for 20 minutes. I think I have to do them in segments and then add but i am not sure ...please help
Yes you are correct---
Distance is simply rate x time, or in other words magnitude
Displacement involves both direction and magnitude
In this case, total distance traveled and displacement are not equal to each other.
Distance traveled = rate x time
Distance traveled = (30)(600) + (40)(1200) <=== Note time converted to seconds
Distance = 66000 m (or 66 km)
Total net displacement
Set North as positive direction
Displacement = (+ 30)(600) + (-40)(1200)
Displacement = -30000 (or 30 km)
Since displacement is negative, the displacement is 30 km South.
Displacement is the dicstance travelled from the point of start. its NOT the total distance travelled.
EXAMPLE :If a car travels 40km to the left and then 50 km to the right (opposite direction) then total displacement is going to be 10km to the right cuz the distanc of car and origional point of start is just 10km.
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so here's your solution:
distance trvelled north:
s = v* t
= 30* 600
= 18000m
distance travelled to sounth
s = v*t
= 40*1200
= 48000m
Displacement = 48000- 18000
= 30000 m or 30km to the south.