Question

Starting at (0,0) an object travels 36 meters north and then it covers 20 meters east. What is

the magnitude and direction of its displacement? (

Answer 1

Step-by-step explanation:

Using the pythagoras theorem, the displacement is expressed as;

d² = x²+y²

y = 36m (north)

x = 20m east

Substitute;

d² = 36²+20²

d² = 1296+400

d² = 1696

d = √1696

d = 41.18m

For the direction;

theta = tan^-1(y/x)

theta = tan^-1(36/20)

theta = tan^-1(1.8)

theta = 60.95°

Hence the magnitude is 41.18m and the direction is 60.95°