A student walks first along a straight school corridor and then turns back part of the way
PHYSICS · Subjective · A Level · Physics · Mechanics and materials · Mechanics and materials
Problem
A student walks first along a straight school corridor and then turns back part of the way.
(i) Define (a) distance and (b) displacement.
(ii) The student starts from point P, walks 60 m due east to point Q, and then walks 25 m due west to point R. Explain, with reasons, whether the numerical values of distance and displacement for the journey P → Q → R are the same or different. Also state their magnitudes.
(iii) State the special condition under which the magnitude of distance covered equals the magnitude of displacement, and give one everyday example that satisfies this condition.