Question

An object moves, stopping 10 meters in the positive direction from x0 (initial position). It then shifts into reverse and moves 12 meters in the negative direction. What is the object’s total displacement?

A) 2 meters
B) 22 meters
C) -2 meters
D) -22 meters

Answer 1

The object's total displacement is C) -2 meters, which indicates a net movement of 2 meters in the negative direction from the initial position.

Step-by-step explanation:

The object’s total displacement is calculated by subtracting the movement in the negative direction from the movement in the positive direction, since displacement is a vector quantity and has a direction associated with it. If the object moves 10 meters in the positive direction and then 12 meters in the negative direction, the displacement would be 10 meters - 12 meters = -2 meters. Therefore, the object’s total displacement is -2 meters, which means it has a net movement of 2 meters in the negative direction from the initial position.