Question

a kayaker moves 26 meters southward, then 18 meters northward, and finally 12 meters southward. for this motion, what is the distance moved? distance (m) = what is the magnitude and direction of the displacement? magnitude (m) =

Explanation:

Step1: Calculate the distance

Distance is the total length of the path traveled. We add up the lengths of each part of the motion.
$26 + 18+12$

Step2: Find the sum

$26+18 + 12=56$ meters.

Step3: Calculate the displacement

Let south - ward be positive and north - ward be negative. The displacements are $d_1 = 26$ m, $d_2=- 18$ m, $d_3 = 12$ m. The net displacement $d=d_1 + d_2 + d_3$.
$d=26+( - 18)+12$

Step4: Calculate the net displacement

$26-18 + 12=20$ m (south - ward since the result is positive)

Answer:

Distance (m) = 56
Magnitude (m) = 20