HESI A2 Physics Practice Test Related

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Marilyn is driving to a wedding. She drives 4 miles south before realizing that she left the gift at home. She makes a U-turn, returns home to pick up the gift, and sets out again driving south. This time, she drives 1 mile out of her way to pick up a friend. From there, they continue 5 miles more to the wedding. Which of these statements is true about Marilyn's trip?

  • A. The displacement of her trip is 6 miles, and the distance traveled is 6 miles.
  • B. The displacement of her trip is 14 miles, and the distance traveled is 14 miles.
  • C. The displacement of her trip is 8 miles, and the distance traveled is 14 miles.
  • D. The displacement of her trip is 6 miles, and the distance traveled is 14 miles.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Marilyn's displacement is calculated based on her final position relative to the starting point. She drives 1 mile to pick up her friend, then 5 miles more to the wedding, totaling 6 miles after returning to her home. So, the correct displacement is 8 miles south from her starting point (4 miles to the gift + 4 miles return + 1 mile to the friend + 5 miles to the wedding). The total distance traveled is 14 miles (adding all the distances). Choice A is incorrect because it miscalculates the displacement. Choice B is incorrect as it overestimates both the displacement and distance traveled. Choice D is incorrect as it underestimates the displacement.