An ant starts at - 5 m and moves 10 m left, 25 m right, 30 m left, and 5 m right. If the positive x-axis is to the right, what are the final position and total displacement of the ant?

A. position: - 15 m; displacement: 70 m

B. position: 5 m; displacement: 10 m

C. position: 5 m; displacement: - 70 m

D. position: - 15 m; displacement: - 10 m

Answer: D.

position: - 15 m; displacement: - 10 m

Explanation:

Displacement is the distance travelled in a specific direction.

Given that an ant starts at - 5 m and moves 10 m left, 25 m right, 30 m left, and 5 m right

Total displacement = - 10 + 25 - 30 + 5

Total displacement = - 10

And the position = - 10 - 5 = - 15

The correct answer is therefore D.

position: - 15 m; displacement: - 10 m