A caterpillar tries to climb straight up a wall a meter high, but for every 2 cm. up it climbs, it slides down 1 cm. Eventually, it reaches the top. When it reaches the top, it does not pull itself over so it will slide down 1 cm.

At this point, the caterpillar was exhausted and fell to the ground. What is the total displacement?

Question

A caterpillar tries to climb straight up a wall a meter high, but for every 2 cm. up it climbs, it slides down 1 cm. Eventually, it reaches the top. When it reaches the top, it does not pull itself over so it will slide down 1 cm.

At this point, the caterpillar was exhausted and fell to the ground. What is the total displacement?

radar · Answer

If we assume the caterpillar started from the ground and he landed back on the ground at the place it started, then displacement is none.