Question

During a rodeo, a clown runs 8.0 m north, turns 55° north of east, and runs 3.5 m. then, after waiting for the bull to come near, the clown turns due east and runs 5.0 m to exit the arena. what is the clown’s total displacement?

Answer 1

We calculate for the x- and y-components of the distances traveled by the clown.

First: 8.0 m north

x-component = 0 m
y-component = +8 m

Second: 55° north of east (3.5 m)

x-component = (3.5 m)(cos 55°) = 2 m
y-component = (3.5 m)(sin 55°) = 2.87 m

Third: 5 m east

x-component = 5 m
y-component = 0 m

The total x-component is equal to 7 m and the y-component is equal to 10.87 m. 

The displacement is,

   c = sqrt((7 m)² + (10.87 m)²) 
  
   c = 12.93 m

Answer: 12.93 m