A delivery person moves in a city laid out as a perfect square grid

PHYSICS · Subjective · AP · Physics 1: Algebra-based · Kinematics · Kinematics

Problem

A delivery person moves in a city laid out as a perfect square grid. Starting from the warehouse, the person follows these instructions: 1. Drive north for 2 km2\,\text{km}. 2. Turn right and drive for 1 km1\,\text{km}. 3. Take several small side streets of unknown lengths and directions while searching for an address, eventually stopping at a café. (i) Is it possible to calculate the exact displacement of the delivery person from the warehouse with the information given? Give a clear reason. (ii) List the additional information, if any, that would be required to determine the displacement. (iii) Even without the extra information, what minimum statement can you reliably make about the distance already covered by the delivery person? Explain.

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