Question

If a biker rides west for 50 miles from his starting position, then turns and bikes back east for 80 miles. What is his displacement?

Answer 1

Answer:

Displacement = 30 miles due east.

Explanation:

Let the distance due west be A

Let the distance due east be B

Given the following data;

A = 50 miles

B = 80 miles

To find the displacement;

Displacement can be defined as the change in the position of a body or an object. It is a vector quantity because it has both magnitude and direction.

Thus, the displacement would be calculated by subtracting distance A from distance B because the rider rode in opposite directions.

Displacement = B - A

Displacement = 80 - 50

Displacement = 30 miles due east.