HESI A2 Physics Related

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An airplane travels 500 miles northeast and then, on the return trip, travels 500 miles southwest. Which of the following is true?

  • A. The displacement of the plane is 1,000 miles, and the distance traveled is 0 miles.
  • B. The displacement of the plane is 1,000 miles, and the distance traveled is 1,000 miles.
  • C. The displacement of the plane is 0 miles, and the distance traveled is 0 miles.
  • D. The displacement of the plane is 0 miles, and the distance traveled is 1,000 miles.
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The displacement of an object is the change in position from the starting point to the ending point, regardless of the path taken. In this case, the airplane returns to its original position after traveling 500 miles northeast and then 500 miles southwest. Therefore, the displacement is 0 miles. However, the distance traveled is the total path covered, which is 500 miles northeast plus 500 miles southwest, for a total of 1,000 miles. Choice A is incorrect because the displacement is not the sum of the distances traveled. Choice B is incorrect as it incorrectly states that both the displacement and the distance traveled are 1,000 miles. Choice C is incorrect as it states that both the displacement and the distance traveled are 0 miles, which is not the case.