If I walk 8.0 meters in a straight line and then walk 5.0 meters in another straight line, the total displacement cannot have a magnitude of
A) 3. m.
B) 2. m.
C) 13. m.
D) 5. m.
E) 8. m.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The total displacement is the straight-line distance between the starting and ending points. The minimum displacement occurs when the two walks are in opposite directions, resulting in a displacement of 3 meters (8 - 5), and the maximum displacement occurs when the walks are in the same direction, resulting in a displacement of 13 meters (8 + 5). A displacement of 2 meters is not possible.

If I Walk 8