PS 12A
Names:
Lab 1: Motion x(t)èv(t)èa(t)
In this first lab we will look at the motion of some different objects. We are interested in
how we can represent the motion in a variety of ways. This will include using written
descriptions, graphs, and motion maps (Arrows that represent displacement and
velocity).
Remember to answer each question fully and include units on all relevant quantities!
Warm-Up:
On the lab table is a battery-operated buggy. Devise a way to measure its velocity to
your best estimate (lowest error). Use the stopwatches and meter sticks to help you.
Create a graph relating the distance traveled per unit of time. Graph this motion on the
graph paper provided.
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Below describe the motion of the buggy.
Create a motion map (Arrows that represent the displacement and velocity of the
motion)
Assigning error: What is the error in your time measurements? What is the error
in your displacement measurements? Represent these on your graph.
What is the average speed of the buggy? How did you find this?
What is the maximum and minimum possible speeds of the buggy?
Create rough sketches of the velocity vs. time graphs and acceleration vs. time
graphs for the buggy’s motion on the back of the displacement graph.
Do the 3 Logger Pro Tutorials found in the Lab 1 folder
Use the sonic ranger and Logger Pro software to track the motion of the buggy.
There is a Logger Pro template in the Lab 1 folder called “BuggyTracking.cmbl”
to use.
Use Data-Calculated Column-Function-Calculus to create velocity and
acceleration graphs. Show these to your TF.
Describe the Buggy Motion:
Motion Map:
Errors:
Average speed:
Max Speed:
Min Speed:
Part I: Position vs. Time
In this section consider the following plot of position versus time. You will determine how
to recreate that plot by walking in front of the motion detector.
(a) Describe the motion (i.e., “I stood still for a second then …”)
(b) What is the total displacement traveled in the above plot?
(c) What is the total distance traveled in the above plot?
(d) In what time range did the person move the fastest? How fast did he move and in
what direction? Explain your answer.
(e) Create corresponding velocity vs. time and acceleration vs. time graphs
(f) Using the motion sensor recreate the above position vs. time plot. Show your TA.
Part II: Velocity vs. Time
In this section, consider the following plot of velocity versus time. You will determine
how to recreate the plot by walking in front of the motion detector.
(a) Describe the motion (i.e., “I stood still for a second, then…”)
(b) What is the total distance traveled in the above plot?
(c) What is the total displacement in the above plot?
(d) In what time range did the person move the fastest? How fast did she move and
in what direction? Explain your answer.
(e) Create corresponding velocity vs. time and acceleration vs. time graph
(f) Using the motion sensor recreate the above velocity vs. time plot. Show your TA
Part III: Acceleration vs. Time
In this section, consider the following plot of acceleration versus time. You will
determine how to recreate the plot by walking in front of the motion detector.
(a) Describe the motion you underwent (i.e., “I stood still for a second, then…”)
(b) What is the total displacement in the above plot? Do you have all the info
needed?
(c) What is the total distance traveled in the above plot?
(d) In what time range did the person move the fastest? How fast did she move and
in what direction? Explain your answer.
(e) Recreate the Acceleration vs. time plot. Show your TA.
(f) Using the motion sensor recreate the Acceleration vs. time plot. If it helps there is
a program on the desktop called Graphs and Tracks that may make things
easier.
Part IV: Describing more interesting motion
On your bench is an example of an object with more interesting motion. After gaining
an initial qualitative understanding of the object’s motion, use the equipment on your
desk (cameras, sensors, rulers, etc.) to make quantitative statements about the motion.
This includes, but is not limited to, motion diagrams and graphs of position, velocity and
acceleration. Make note of any interesting features of the motion as well. Create graphs
that help describe the motion. You will give a short presentation about your object. Use
the following questions to help define your presentation.
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Tell us about your object
Give a short description of the motion
Predict what the displacement, velocity, and acceleration graphs
Take data (Use the motion sensor)
Analyze the motion (Just some simple observations, and simple curve fits)
What are the different variables that you could study?
What are the limitations of the data you took?
Describe any difficulties that your group encountered