Final answer:
In terms of vector displacement, the physics professor has traveled 1.49 kilometers north and 4.83 kilometers west. This emphasizes the multi-directional aspect of motion, a key element in the study of physics.
Step-by-step explanation:
To answer your question about the disoriented physics professor's journey, we need to consider the concept of vector displacement in physics. This involves considering the different directions and distances traveled.
First, the professor drives 3.19 km north. Next, he covers a distance of 4.83 km to the west. After that, he ends with a southward journey of 1.70 km.
So, to comprehend the overall effect of this journey, we would separately calculate the total distance traveled north (subtract the southbound journey from the northbound one) which gives 3.19 km north - 1.70 km south = 1.49 km north. Regarding the east-west direction, the professor only went west, totaling to 4.83 km west.
Eventually, you can express the professor's total displacement as travelling 1.49 kilometers north and 4.83 kilometers west. So, the professor's overall move has two components and this multidirectional aspect fits into the realm of vector quantities in physics.
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