Physics 1020
Laboratory #2
Motion in One Dimension
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Motion in One Dimension
In this laboratory experiment you will be investigating the motion of an object in one
dimension. You will be attempting to reproduce synthetic position versus time graphs by
moving an object in the lab to see what graphs of the motion should look like. You will also
be investigating how to find information about the position, velocity, and acceleration from
position versus time, velocity versus time, and acceleration versus time graphs.
Position
Position in one-dimensional motion is usually given by the symbol x. Position has units of
length (e.g. meters), it may be positive or negative and is measured relative to a coordinate
system.
Displacement is the change in position,
∆𝑥⃗ = 𝑥⃗ − 𝑥⃗0
Velocity
In the case of constant acceleration, the velocity can be changing so we must look at the
instantaneous velocity of a moving object, which is defined as
𝑣⃗ =
∆𝑥⃗
∆𝑡
It can be found for a given time by calculating the slope of a line that is tangent to the object’s
Position versus Time graph at that time.
Acceleration
For constant acceleration, the acceleration of a moving object is defined as
𝑎⃗ =
∆𝑣⃗
∆𝑡
It can be found by calculating the slope of the object’s Velocity versus Time graph.
Also, on a Position versus Time graph, acceleration can be found by finding the rate of
change with time of the slope of the tangent as you move along the curve.
Physics 1020
Laboratory #2
Motion in One Dimension
Prelab Questions
These questions need to be completed before
entering the lab. Please show all workings.
Marker’s
Initials
Consider a particle undergoing constant positive acceleration.
Prelab 1
Sketch the shape of its position vs. time graph?
Prelab 2
Sketch the shape of its velocity vs. time graph?
Prelab 3
Sketch the shape of its acceleration vs. time graph?
Prelab 4
What physical quantity is represented by the slope of the velocity vs. time graph?
Prelab 5
How do we determine an instantaneous velocity from the position time graph?
STAPLE YOUR PRE-LAB TO THIS PAGE
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Physics 1020
Laboratory #2
Motion in One Dimension
Laboratory Worksheet
Name and Student Number:
___________________________
Partner’s Name:
___________________________
Date:
___________________________
QUESTION 1:
𝑥𝑖 =
𝑥𝑓 =
QUESTION 2:
QUESTION 3:
QUESTION 4:
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Physics 1020
Laboratory #2
Motion in One Dimension
CHECKPOINT: Instructor Initial after you have made
the v vs t graph (see instructions)
QUESTION 5:
QUESTION 6:
QUESTION 7:
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Physics 1020
Laboratory #2
Motion in One Dimension
QUESTION 8:
PRINT YOUR GRAPHS (for details see slide 13 in the instructions)
QUESTION 9:
QUESTION 10:
QUESTION 11:
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Physics 1020
Laboratory #2
Motion in One Dimension
PRINT YOUR SECOND SET OF GRAPHS
QUESTION 12:
QUESTION 13:
Table 1:
t [s]
1.0
2.5
4.0
QUESTION 14:
v [m/s]
a [m/s2]
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Physics 1020
Laboratory #2
Motion in One Dimension
18
QUESTION 15:
x
v
t
a
t
t
Staple graph(s) to the reverse side of
this page.