An ant on a picnic table travels 30.0 cm to the east, then 15.0 cm to the west. What is the magnitude of the ant's displacement from its original position?

Question

a
15 cm to the east
b
45 cm to the west
c
15 cm to the west
d
45 cm to the east

Answer 1

To find the magnitude of the ant's displacement from its original position, we can break down its movements:

1. The ant first travels 30.0 cm to the east.
2. Then, it travels 15.0 cm to the west.

We can calculate the net displacement as follows:

• Starting from the original position (0 cm), after moving east 30.0 cm, the position is +30.0 cm.
• After moving 15.0 cm to the west, the new position is:
  \( +30.0 , \text{cm} - 15.0 , \text{cm} = +15.0 , \text{cm} \) (still east).

Thus, the displacement from the original position is 15.0 cm to the east.

The correct answer is a) 15 cm to the east.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

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