Question

Select the correct answer.

A truck moves 60 kilometers east from point A to point B. At point B, it turns back west and stops 15 kilometers away from point A. What are the
total distance and total displacement of the truck?
A.
The total distance is 105 kilometers, and the total displacement is 15 kilometers east.
B.
The total distance is 105 kilometers, and the total displacement is 45 kilometers east.
The total distance is 60 kilometerstand the total displacement is 60 kilometers east.
• D.
The total distance is 60 kilometers, and the total displacement is 45 kilometers east.
E.
The total distance is 105 kilometers, and the total displacement is 75 kilometers east.

Answer 1

Option A is correct.

The total distance is 105 kilometers, and the total displacement is 15 kilometers east.

Step-by-step explanation:

• Distance is a scalar quantity, so it doesn't have anything to do with direction.
• Distance only adds up the magnitude. so,

Distance = 60 + (60-15) = 60+ 45 = 105 km

• Displacement is a vector quantity,it should be calculated by concerning truck's direction too.
• Considering the direction and magnitude,

Displacement = +60(E) -45(W) = 15 km East