Question

finding resultant magnitude and direction

1. a truck driver is attempting to deliver some furniture. first, he travels 8 km east, and then he turns around and travels 3 km west. finally, he turns again and travels 12 km east to his destination.

a. what distance has the driver traveled?
b. what is the drivers total displacement?

Explanation:

Step1: Calculate the total distance

Distance is the total path covered. Add up all the distances traveled: \(8 + 3+12\).
$$8 + 3+12=23$$

Step2: Calculate the displacement

Let east be the positive direction and west be the negative direction. Displacement is \(8+( - 3)+12\).
$$8+( - 3)+12=17$$

Answer:

a. The driver has traveled a distance of \(23\) km.
b. The driver’s total displacement is \(17\) km east.