Calculating the Total Distance

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 35 views

Introduction

In this article, we will explore the concepts of distance and displacement in the context of Russell's walk. We will calculate the total distance he walked and determine his displacement after completing the walk.

What is Distance?

Distance refers to the total length of the path traveled by an object. It is a scalar quantity, which means it has only magnitude and no direction. In the context of Russell's walk, the distance he traveled is the sum of the distances he walked to the left and to the right.

What is Displacement?

Displacement, on the other hand, is a vector quantity that refers to the change in position of an object. It is a measure of the shortest distance between the initial and final positions of an object. Displacement takes into account both the magnitude and direction of the movement.

Calculating the Total Distance

To calculate the total distance Russell walked, we need to add the distances he walked to the left and to the right.

Distance walked to the left: 150 feet
Distance walked to the right: 500 feet

Total distance = Distance walked to the left + Distance walked to the right Total distance = 150 feet + 500 feet Total distance = 650 feet

Calculating the Displacement

To calculate the displacement, we need to determine the net change in position of Russell. Since he walked 150 feet to the left and then 500 feet to the right, we can calculate the net displacement as follows:

Net displacement = Final position - Initial position Net displacement = (500 feet - 150 feet) = 350 feet

However, since he walked to the right, the net displacement is in the positive direction. Therefore, the displacement is 350 feet to the right.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Russell walked a total distance of 650 feet and his displacement was 350 feet to the right. This example illustrates the difference between distance and displacement and how they are calculated in the context of motion.

Key Takeaways

Distance is a scalar quantity that refers to the total length of the path traveled by an object.
Displacement is a vector quantity that refers to the change in position of an object.
To calculate the total distance, add the distances walked in each direction.
To calculate the displacement, determine the net change in position of the object.

Real-World Applications

Understanding the concepts of distance and displacement is crucial in various fields, including physics, engineering, and navigation. For example, in physics, displacement is used to calculate the motion of objects, while in engineering, it is used to design and optimize systems. In navigation, displacement is used to determine the position of objects and to plan routes.

Examples and Exercises

A person walks 200 feet to the north and then 300 feet to the south. What is the total distance they walked? What is their displacement?
A car travels 500 feet to the east and then 200 feet to the west. What is the total distance it traveled? What is its displacement?
A boat sails 300 feet to the north and then 400 feet to the south. What is the total distance it sailed? What is its displacement?

Solutions

Total distance = 200 feet + 300 feet = 500 feet Displacement = (300 feet - 200 feet) = 100 feet to the south
Total distance = 500 feet + 200 feet = 700 feet Displacement = (500 feet - 200 feet) = 300 feet to the east
Total distance = 300 feet + 400 feet = 700 feet Displacement = (400 feet - 300 feet) = 100 feet to the south

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the concepts of distance and displacement is essential in various fields. By calculating the total distance and displacement, we can determine the motion of objects and plan routes. The examples and exercises provided in this article illustrate the application of these concepts in real-world scenarios.