Problem Analysis:
The worksheet asks us to calculate the
distance and
displacement for three different scenarios. Let's solve each problem step by step.
---
Definitions Recap:
1.
Distance: The total path length traveled, regardless of direction. It is a scalar quantity.
2.
Displacement: The straight-line distance between the starting point and the ending point, along with its direction. It is a vector quantity.
---
Problem #1:
Scenario: Lucinda walked 400 m west from her house to the school.
####
Step 1: Distance
- Distance is the total path length traveled.
- Lucinda walked 400 m directly.
- Therefore, the distance is:
\[
\text{Distance} = 400 \, \text{m}
\]
####
Step 2: Displacement
- Displacement is the straight-line distance from the starting point (house) to the ending point (school).
- Lucinda started at the house and ended 400 m west of the house.
- Therefore, the displacement is:
\[
\text{Displacement} = 400 \, \text{m, west}
\]
####
Final Answer for Problem #1:
\[
\boxed{\text{Distance} = 400 \, \text{m}, \, \text{Displacement} = 400 \, \text{m, west}}
\]
---
Problem #2:
Scenario: Lucinda walked 300 m east to the street corner. She then walked another 600 m east to the park.
####
Step 1: Distance
- Distance is the total path length traveled.
- Lucinda walked 300 m + 600 m = 900 m.
- Therefore, the distance is:
\[
\text{Distance} = 900 \, \text{m}
\]
####
Step 2: Displacement
- Displacement is the straight-line distance from the starting point (house) to the ending point (park).
- Lucinda started at the house and ended 300 m + 600 m = 900 m east of the house.
- Therefore, the displacement is:
\[
\text{Displacement} = 900 \, \text{m, east}
\]
####
Final Answer for Problem #2:
\[
\boxed{\text{Distance} = 900 \, \text{m}, \, \text{Displacement} = 900 \, \text{m, east}}
\]
---
Problem #3:
Scenario: Lucinda walked 400 m west from her house to the school. She then turned and walked 400 m east back to her house.
####
Step 1: Distance
- Distance is the total path length traveled.
- Lucinda walked 400 m west + 400 m east = 800 m.
- Therefore, the distance is:
\[
\text{Distance} = 800 \, \text{m}
\]
####
Step 2: Displacement
- Displacement is the straight-line distance from the starting point (house) to the ending point (house).
- Lucinda started at the house, went 400 m west, and then returned 400 m east to the house.
- Her net change in position is zero because she ended up at the same point where she started.
- Therefore, the displacement is:
\[
\text{Displacement} = 0 \, \text{m}
\]
####
Final Answer for Problem #3:
\[
\boxed{\text{Distance} = 800 \, \text{m}, \, \text{Displacement} = 0 \, \text{m}}
\]
---
Summary of Answers:
1. \(\boxed{\text{Distance} = 400 \, \text{m}, \, \text{Displacement} = 400 \, \text{m, west}}\)
2. \(\boxed{\text{Distance} = 900 \, \text{m}, \, \text{Displacement} = 900 \, \text{m, east}}\)
3. \(\boxed{\text{Distance} = 800 \, \text{m}, \, \text{Displacement} = 0 \, \text{m}}\)
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of distance and displacement worksheet with answers.