Question

A hiker walks 11 km due north from camp and then turns and walks 11 km due east. What is the displacement in km of the hiker? Express your answer in 3 sig figs.

Answer 1

Answer: The displacement of the hiker can be found using the Pythagorean theorem because they have traveled in two perpendicular directions (north and east), forming a right triangle.

Displacement (D) = √((Distance north)² + (Distance east)²)

D = √((11 km)² + (11 km)²)

D = √(121 km² + 121 km²)

D = √(242 km²)

D ≈ 15.6 km

So, the displacement of the hiker is approximately 15.6 km.

Step-by-step explanation: