Motion of Foraging Bees
Calculating Total Displacement
To calculate the total displacement, we need to consider the direction of each movement. When the bee travels east, we assign a negative value on the number line. When it travels west, we assign a positive value. By adding up all the displacements, we can determine the overall displacement of the bee.
For this specific case:
- 680 m east is represented as -680 m
- 430 m west is represented as +430 m
- 620 m east is represented as -620 m
Adding these values together: -680 m + 430 m - 620 m = -870 m. Therefore, the total displacement of the foraging bee is 870 m to the west.
This calculation showcases the importance of considering direction in vector quantities. By understanding the motion of foraging bees in this example, we can apply similar principles to other scenarios involving displacement and direction.