A kayaker moves 26 meters southward, then 18 meters northward, and finally 12 meters southward.
For this motion, what is the distance moved?
What is the magnitude and direction of the displacement?

Total distance: 56 meters. Magnitude and direction of displacement: 20 meters South.

Explanation:

The term distance refers to space between one point and other, or the total space a body or object covered while moving. In the case presented, this can be calculated by adding the partial distances given. This means the total distance is  56 meters as 26 meters + 18 meters + 12 meters = 56 meters.

On the other hand, displacement considers the distance from the initial position to the final position, and the direction of movement. This means partial distances should not be added but each movement should be considered according to the direction. The process is shown below:

-The first movement was 26 meters southward; this means by the end of this movement the distance between the initial position was 26 meters south.

- The second movement was 18 northward; this means the kayaker moved 18 meters towards the position. This changes the displacement to 8 meters South as 26 meters south - 18 meters north = 8 meters to the South.

-The last movement was 12 meters sound; this means the kayaker increased the distance from the original position 8 meters to the South + 12 meters to the South = 20 meters South (total displacement.)