Question

an object moves 3m north and then 4m east and then 6m South calculate distance and displacement​

Answer 1

Let north, south east be represented by N, S, E.

According to question:

⇒ 3m in North = 3N,  then

⇒ 4m in East(right) = 3N + 4E , then

⇒ 6m in South = 3N + 4E + 6S

Total displacement = 3N + 4E + 6S

But as we know, north is opposite to south, N = - S.

∴ displacement = 3(-S) + 4E + 6S = 4E + 3S  

As south and east are at right angle to each other, we can't add them directly.

Using Pythagoras theorem,

Displacement = √3² + 4² = 5

Displacement is 5 m

But in terms of distance, we can add it directly as it doesn't depend on direction, distance = 3 + 4 + 6 = 13 m