Question

If I run 60 m North and then back 30 m South, what is my total displacement?

a) 30 meters
b) 60 meters
c) 90 meters
d) 120 meters

Answer 1

The total displacement after running 60 m North and then 30 m South is 30 m to the North, which is option (a).

Step-by-step explanation:

If you run 60 m North and then back 30 m South, your total displacement would be the net change in position. Displacement is a vector quantity that has both magnitude and direction. Since you moved north first and then moved south, these two movements partially cancel each other out.

To find the total displacement, you subtract the southward movement from the northward movement because they are in opposite directions. The calculation would be 60 m - 30 m = 30 m North. Therefore, your total displacement is 30 meters to the North, which corresponds to option (a).