During a rodeo, a clown runs 8.0 m north, turns 55° north of east, and runs 3.5 m. then, after waiting for the bull to come near, the clown turns due east and runs 5.0 m to exit the arena. what is the clown's total displacement?

We calculate for the x - and y-components of the distances traveled by the clown.

First: 8.0 m north

x-component = 0 m

y-component = + 8 m

Second: 55° north of east (3.5 m)

x-component = (3.5 m) (cos 55°) = 2 m

y-component = (3.5 m) (sin 55°) = 2.87 m

Third: 5 m east

x-component = 5 m

y-component = 0 m

The total x-component is equal to 7 m and the y-component is equal to 10.87 m.

The displacement is,

c = sqrt ((7 m) ² + (10.87 m) ²)

c = 12.93 m

Answer: 12.93 m