Question

A circular track has a circumference of 314 m with AB as one of its diameter. The cyclist travels from A to B along the circular path. Find the distance moved by the cyclist and the displacement if AB is along east west direction. Represent it pictorially as well

Answer 1

Distance is the actual path covered by the body between its initial and final position

As the cyclist covers half the circle

The circumference of the circular track=314 m

Hence the distance covered will be equal to half the circumference of the circular track

= 314 / 2

= 157 m

Distance covered by the cyclist=157 m

Displacement is the shortest distance travelled by the body between its initial and final position

hence displacement will be equal to the diameter of the circular track

= 2 × radius

We know that ,

Circumference = 2πR

314=2πR

R = 314/2×3.14

R = 100/2

R = 50 m

Displacement

= Diameter of the circular track

=2R

= 2×50

=100 m

Displacement of the body along east west direction= 100 m