Question

Ravi runs 200 m east on a straight road and then turns west and runs 100 m back. What would be the distance he traveled and his displacement?

• A. Distance = 100 m west, displacement = 300 m
• B. Distance = 300 m, displacement = 100 m west
• C. Distance = 300 m, displacement = 100 m east
• D. Distance = 100 m east, displacement = 300 m

Answer 1

The correct option is C Distance = 300 m, displacement = 100 m east

The total traveled distance $=200+100=300m$

Displacement is the distance between initial and final position.

So, displacement $=200\hat{i}-100\hat{i}=100\hat{i}$ where( $\hat{i}$ means towards east )