One morning after sunrise, Vimal started walking. While walking, he met…
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One morning after sunrise, Vimal started walking. While walking, he met Stephen, who was coming from the opposite direction. Vimal noticed that Stephen's shadow was falling to his (Vimal's) right. In which direction was Vimal facing?
- A.
East
- B.
West
- C.
South
- D.
Data inadequate
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Concept: Soon after sunrise the sun sits due east, so every shadow — regardless of which way its owner happens to be facing — is cast due west; this is a fixed compass direction, not something that depends on anyone's orientation.
Once a shadow's compass direction is known, a person's own facing direction follows from the standard right-hand rule: facing North puts East on the right; facing East puts South on the right; facing South puts West on the right; facing West puts North on the right.
Because it is soon after sunrise, the sun is due east of both walkers, so Stephen's shadow falls due west — a fixed direction, independent of which way Stephen or Vimal are facing.
Vimal reports that this westward shadow lies to his own right.
Applying the right-hand rule above, 'West on the right' matches exactly one facing direction: South.
Cross-check — testing every cardinal direction against the same rule confirms this is the only fit:
Facing North would put West on the left, not the right.
Facing East would put West directly behind, not to the right.
Facing West would put West directly in front, not to the right.
Only facing South places West on the right, matching what Vimal observed.
Hence Vimal was facing South.