An ant on a picnic table travels 30.0 cm to the east, then 15.0 cm to the west. What is the magnitude of the ant's displacement from its original position?
a
15 cm to the east
b
15 cm to the west
c
45 cm to the west
d
45 cm to the east
The magnitude of the ant's displacement is equal to the distance traveled in the net direction. Since the ant travels 30.0 cm to the east and then 15.0 cm to the west, the net direction is 30.0 cm to the east - 15.0 cm to the west = 15.0 cm to the east.
Therefore, the magnitude of the ant's displacement is 15.0 cm to the east.
Answer: d) 45 cm to the east