Question

Three balls initially at rest are released from the origin in the same direction and covers a distance of $5\text{m}$, $9\text{m}$ and $15\text{m}$ respectively. What will be the position of the ball farthest from the origin w.r.t the ball nearest to the origin?

• A. $4\text{m}$
• B. $6\text{m}$
• C. $9\text{m}$
• D. $10\text{m}$

Answer 1

The correct option is D $10\text{m}$

Assuming the distance is covered in positive direction.
Position of the farthest ball, $x_f=+15\text{m}$
Position of the nearest ball, $x_n=+5\text{m}$
Position of farthest w.r.t nearest ball, $x_{fn}=x_f-x_n=15-5=+10\text{m}$
We may also assume the distance is covered in negative direction. Then $x_{fn}=-10\text{m}$
But since only positive values are given in the option, means only magnitude is asked.