JAMB Physics 1978 Question 1

Question 1

Scalars and Vectors

A man walks 1 km due east and then 1 km due north. His displacement is

  1. A.1 km N 15° E
  2. B.1 km N 30° E
  3. C.√2 km N 45° E
  4. D.√2 km N 60° E
  5. E.2 km N 75° E
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (√2 km N 45° E)

Explanation

The two 1 km legs are at right angles, so the resultant is √(1² + 1²) = √2 km. Since both legs are equal, it points midway between north and east: N 45° E.