Question

Two cars started at the same position and were driven through a city using different streets. The red car traveled north 2 miles, then east 4 miles, and then south 6 miles. The green car traveled south 4 miles and then east 4 miles. Both cars ended at the same location.

Which best compares the motion of the cars?

The red car traveled a shorter distance, but the displacement of the cars was equal.
The green car traveled a shorter distance, but the displacement of the cars was equal.
The green car had a shorter displacement, but the distance traveled by the cars was equal.
The red car had a shorter displacement, but the distance traveled by the cars was equal.

Answer 1

The green car traveled a shorter distance, but the displacement of the cars was equal.

Explanation: Both end at (4, −4), so their displacement vectors from the start are identical. Distances: red = 2+4+6 = 12 miles, green = 4+4 = 8 miles, so the green car traveled the shorter distance.