Question

An ant starts at −5 m and moves 10 m left, 25 m right, 30 m left, and 5 m right. If the positive x-axis is to the right, what are the final position and total displacement of the ant?

A. position: −15 m; displacement: 70 m
B. position: 5 m; displacement: 10 m
C. position: 5 m; displacement: −70 m
D. position: −15 m; displacement: −10 m

Answer 1

Answer: D.

position: −15 m; displacement: −10 m

Explanation:

Displacement is the distance travelled in a specific direction.

Given that an ant starts at −5 m and moves 10 m left, 25 m right, 30 m left, and 5 m right

Total displacement = -10 + 25 - 30 + 5

Total displacement = -10

And the position = -10 -5 = -15

The correct answer is therefore D.

position: −15 m; displacement: −10 m