A hiker follows the path of a square field where each side is

PHYSICS · Multi-part · AP · Physics 1: Algebra-based · Kinematics · Kinematics

Problem

A hiker follows the path ABCDABCD of a square field where each side is 80 m80\,\text{m}. Starting from corner AA, the hiker walks successively along sides ABAB, BCBC, and CDCD, and then returns directly to the starting point AA along the straight line DADA. Using the information given, answer the following questions: (i) Calculate the total distance walked by the hiker for the single journey ABCD ⁣AABCD\!A described above. (ii) Determine the magnitude of the hiker’s displacement at the end of this journey. (iii) If the hiker repeats the entire journey described in part (i) a second time without any pause, what will be the magnitude of the displacement from the original starting point after completing the two journeys? (iv) Justify the numerical value obtained in part (iii) with reference to the path taken.

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