Kelley is playing pool and hits the cue into the nine ball, which is directly in the center of the pool table. The nine ball travels a total of 7 meters before stopping, 1 meter to the left of the initial starting point of the nine ball. Which sentence reflects the correct statement regarding distance and displacement when considering the motion of the nine ball?(1 point)
The correct statement regarding distance and displacement when considering the motion of the nine ball is:
The distance traveled by the nine ball is 7 meters, while the displacement is 1 meter to the left.
The correct statement regarding distance and displacement when considering the motion of the nine ball is:
The distance traveled by the nine ball is 7 meters, while its displacement is 1 meter to the left.
To determine the correct statement regarding distance and displacement in this scenario, we first need to understand the definitions of distance and displacement.
Distance refers to the total length of the path traveled between two points. It is a scalar quantity and always non-negative. Distance does not take into account the direction of motion, only the magnitude.
Displacement, on the other hand, refers to the change in position from the initial starting point to the final position. It is a vector quantity and includes both magnitude and direction. Displacement can be positive, negative, or zero, depending on the direction of motion.
In this case, the nine ball initially starts in the center of the pool table and ends 1 meter to the left of its starting point, which indicates a displacement to the left.
Now, let's analyze the options:
Option A: The nine ball travels a total distance of 7 meters.
Option B: The nine ball has a displacement of 7 meters.
Option C: The nine ball travels a distance of 6 meters and has a displacement of 1 meter.
Option D: The nine ball travels a distance of 7 meters and has a displacement of 1 meter.
To determine the correct statement, we can eliminate options that are not consistent with the given information.
Option B can be eliminated because it states that the displacement is 7 meters, which contradicts the fact that the nine ball ends up 1 meter to the left of its initial starting point.
Option C can also be eliminated because it indicates a displacement of 1 meter, which is correct, but it states that the distance traveled is 6 meters. However, the distance traveled by the nine ball is 7 meters, as mentioned in the question.
Therefore, the correct statement is Option D: The nine ball travels a distance of 7 meters and has a displacement of 1 meter.