Question

If a bicyclist rides west for 50 miles from his starting position, then turns and bikes back east 80 miles. What is his net displacement?
A) 130 miles
B) 30 miles east
C) 30 miles west
d) cannot be determined

Answer 1

Answer:

30 MILES EAST

Explanation:

YAAR FOLLOW ME

Answer 2

His net displacement is B) 30 miles east

Given:

A bicyclist rides 50 miles west

Turns back

Bikes 80 miles east

Thus, he first travelled 50 miles west and then turned back and travelled 80 miles in the same line.

Solution:

Let the point from where bicyclist starts riding be O. This is the initial position of the bicyclist.

Let the point where he turns back be A and the final position be B.

Displacement is the net distance travelled by the bicyclist, that is the distance between the initial and final position of the bicyclist.

In this case, displacement = OB.

OB = 80-50 = 30 miles in east direction.

Answer:

The net displacement of the bicyclist is 30 miles east.