Vector Walk Lab
Vectors can show many different types of values in a visual manner. Anything that has a value (magnitude) and direction can be shown as a vector. Examples that we know of so far are position (how far away you are), velocity (how fast and what direction you are going), and acceleration (how much is your speed changing, and which way is the acceleration trying to make you go).
The easiest vector to work with is a position, or displacement. Vector­
displacement is just a fancier word for "how far away are you from your original spot." Today, you are going to walk around Glenbard West, and using vectors we are going to figure out your displacement.
Step 1: Determine where you will start and where you will end up. The two locations should be on the same floor, and you should have to make at least two right­angle turns to get there. However, you don't want to make the two places too far or too close together. There is a map on the back of this page to give you some ideas. Write down your start and finish spots.
Step 2: Now, using the 2m length of string, measure out the distance and record the direction (vectors require two bits of information!). Remember to only make right angle turns!
NOTE: West points towards 317, or out the side windows in 317. Straight out the door is South.
314
313
316
317
318A
319
Please return
your string to
the hanger when
you are done.
Thank you.
Step 3: Using a large sheet of paper and one color, draw a scale diagram of your trip. Be sure to show what your scale is on the paper. Each distance and direction should be its own vector! These are your component vectors. Label how long each component would be if it were the real distance.
11 m
Scale: 2 cm = 5 m
10 m
17 m
See Mr. Szarzak when you are ready to draw your diagram, he will provide you with the paper.
Step 4: Using another color, determine the resultant vector. Remember that resultant vectors point from start to finish! Determine how long this resultant vector would be if it were life­size by measuring it with a meter stick and then converting the measurement into meters using your scale. Label the resultant vector.
11 m
? m
Scale: 2 cm = 5 m
10 m
17 m
Scale: 2 cm = 5 m
11 m
? m
10 m
17 m
Scale: 2 cm = 5 m
11 m
? m
10 m
17 m
K
O
17 m
R
10 m
W
A M
? m
Scale: 2 cm = 5 m
E
11 m
T
Front:
11 m
? m
Scale: 2 cm = 5 m
10 m
17 m
When you finish, how far away are you from where you started?
Answers, answers, answers....in complete sentences.
What is the difference between the phrases "total distance" and "total displacement"?
Answers, answers, answers....in complete sentences.
Pretend you took another path to get from start to finish. Would total
distance traveled change? Would total displacement change?
Answers, answers, answers....in complete sentences.
2)
3)
4)
How accurate do you think your measurements were? Why?
Answers, answers, answers....in complete sentences.
Make the necessary vector additions so you can use Pythagorean Theorem to calculate our displacement. Show your work.
Finally, calculate the % Difference (NOT percent error) between your measured and calculated lengths of your displacements. Show your work.
6)
7)
8)
5) Does total displacement depend on what path is taken? Why or why not?
Answers, answers, answers....in complete sentences.
What was the total distance you traveled through the hallways?
Answers, answers, answers....in complete sentences.
1)
Step 5: As a group, answer the following questions on the other side of your
large paper. Use complete sentences!
Back:
Step 5: As a group, answer the following questions on the other side of your large paper. Use complete sentences!
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EV AST
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2)
When you finish, how far away are you from where you started? 3)
What is the difference between the phrases "total distance" and "total displacement"?
4)
Pretend you took another path to get from start to finish. Would total distance traveled change? Would total displacement change?
5)
Does total displacement depend on what path is taken? Why or why not?
6)
How accurate do you think your measurements were? Why?
7)
Make the necessary vector additions so you can use Pythagorean Theorem to calculate our displacement. Show your work.
8)
Finally, calculate the % Difference (NOT percent error) between your measured and calculated lengths of your displacements.
Show your work.
OO
A M
R
K
What was the total distance you traveled through the hallways?
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1)
LAB IT UP!!!