Question 1
Multiple choiceMedium1 markA particle moves along the directed route shown. The horizontal and vertical coordinates give its east and north positions, respectively, in metres.
Which row gives the displacement vector components (east, north) and the total distance travelled?
| Displacement components (east, north) / m | Distance travelled / m | |
|---|---|---|
| A. | (3, 4) | 15 |
| B. | (4, 3) | 15 |
| C. | (−3, −4) | 15 |
| D. | (3, 4) | 11 |
Show answer and explanation
Answer: A. Displacement is final position minus initial position; distance is the length of the route. From S(0,0) to F(3,4), the displacement components are (3−0, 4−0) = (3, 4) m. The route length is 6 + 4 + 4 + 1 = 15 m.
B: Interchanges the east and north components.
C: Reverses the change in position, using start minus finish.
D: Omits the 4 m segment from Q to R when adding the route lengths.
Remember: displacement depends on the initial and final positions; distance includes the whole path.