1.b) If this were a race, with the finish line at the staring line, what was his net displacement? This is a vector question since net displacement is a vector. Hence, was his net average velocity (which is a vector) zero over the duration of the race?
To calculate the net displacement, we need to consider both the magnitude and direction of the displacement. In this scenario, if the finish line is at the starting line, we can assume that the runner's starting position and ending position are the same.
Since the net displacement is the final position minus the initial position, if the positions are the same, the net displacement is zero. Therefore, the net displacement in this race is zero.
On the other hand, average velocity is calculated by dividing the net displacement by the time taken. Since the net displacement is zero, the average velocity over the duration of the race will also be zero, irrespective of the direction.
Hence, the net average velocity is zero since the net displacement is zero.