Experiment 2: Kinematics of Human Motion
Department of Math and Physics
College of Science, University of Santo Tomas
España, Manila, Philippines
Abstract
The purpose of this experiment is to study
the kinematics of human motion by drawing the
displacement versus time graphs and velocity
versus time graphs for uniform motion and
uniformly accelerated motion. In addition, the
normal reaction time was also examined in
contrast with the reaction time while using a cell
phone. The results showed that the graph of a
displacement versus time graph with a constant
velocity is a straight line that points upwards;
while the graph of a displacement versus time
with an increasing speed is a curve. On the other
hand, the graph of a velocity versus time with a
constant velocity is a straight horizontal line,
whereas the graph of a velocity versus time with
an increasing speed is a straight line that points
upwards. Furthermore, the normal reaction time
of a person is faster than the reaction time while
using a cell phone.
1. Introduction
We live in a world wherein everything is
in motion: the cars on the street, a dog chasing
after a ball or a girl jogging in the park. Motion
can also be observed in the environment itself like
raindrops falling, the clouds moving and the
never-ending cycle of water flowing in the rivers.
In Physics, motion is the change of position of an
object over time. The study of motion along with
force and energy is under the branch of Physics
called Mechanics. Mechanics is divided into two
which are dynamics and kinematics. Dynamics is
centered on the study of motion and its
relationship with force that causes the motion.
Kinematics is the study of concepts involved in
describing motion but not including the force or
the cause of the motion. These concepts are
displacement, velocity and acceleration.
Displacement is the distance between an object
moving in a straight line from its initial to its final
position with a stated direction. Velocity is the
speed of change of position of an object over
time. Acceleration is the change in velocity per
unit time.
The data of the experiment will be
obtained through a series of activities that will be
applied to the concepts of Kinematics. Since
kinematics is a quantitative description of motion,
this experiment aims for the students to learn to
draw the displacement versus time graphs and
velocity versus time graphs for uniform motion
and uniformly accelerated motion. The
experiment also aims to determine one’s normal
reaction time.
2. Theory
Kinematics studies the concepts of motion
without considering the products of forces. It
essentially deals with the acceleration and
velocity of an object or person. It also deals with
the displacement and distance of a moving object
in a particular time frame.
In this experiment, total displacement, average
velocity, instantaneous velocity and rate of
reaction were figured. The total displacement in
this experiment refers to the vector quantity and
the person’s overall change in position. It
conveys both magnitude and direction. Thus,
displacement is a vector that starts from initial
position to the final position.
△x=x1-x2
where △x (displacement) is equal to x1 (initial
position) minus x2 (final position).
The average velocity is simply the change in
displacement divided by change in time.
𝑥−𝑥0 △→
→= = 𝑥
𝑣 𝑡−𝑡0 △t
where → (average velocity) is equal to the
𝑣
quotient of x (initial displacement) minus x0 (final
displacement) and t (initial time) minus t0 (final
time). Average velocity can be simplified as △
→ (change in displacement) divided by △ t
𝑥 total time. The total displacement was then
(change in time).
Meanwhile, instantaneous velocity indicates how
fast an object moves. It defines the direction of
the motion at each instant of time. Instantaneous
velocity is simply twice of the average velocity.
Vins = 2(vav)
Lastly, reaction time or rate of reaction time was
also computed. It refers to the time between
stimulus and response. The formula used in
finding the reaction time was:
ℎ
t = √2 𝑔
where t (reaction time) is equal to the square root
of 2 times h (the distance dropped) divided by g
(acceleration due to gravity) which is equivalent
to 9.80 𝑚⁄𝑠2. The value 9.80 𝑚⁄𝑠2 is used when
an object falls under the influence of gravity.
Acceleration of a free falling body is directed
towards the center of the earth.
3. Methodology
In the first activity, the graphical analysis
of human motion was predicted and compared
using Vernier Logger Pro. The graphs of the
displacement versus time and velocity versus
time with a constant velocity from a chosen
starting point and towards a starting point for a
period of 10 seconds was predicted and sketched.
Afterwards, the graphs of the displacement versus
time and velocity versus time with an increasing
speed along a straight line for a period of 10
seconds was also predicted and sketched. These
graphs were then compared with the graph of
motions produced by Vernier Logger Pro.
In the second activity, a meter stick and
timer was used. One student from the group
walked in a straight line for 10 seconds while the
remaining groupmates measured the distance he
covered every second. The average velocity was
computed by dividing the displacement over the
graphed against the total time. The instantaneous
velocity was also calculated by multiplying the
average velocity by two. Lastly, the instantaneous
velocity against time was plotted and analyzed.
Figure 1 Experimental set-up for graphical analysis of motion
The third activity used a meter stick to
determine the normal reaction time of each
student versus the reaction time while using a cell
phone. One member of the group held the meter
stick vertically at the zero mark and another
member situated his thumb and index finger at the
50 cm mark without touching the meter stick. The
meter stick was dropped and the other member
caught it with his thumb and index finger. The
instructions were repeated while the other
 member used his phone. Afterwards, the reaction The displacement versus time graph
time for each set-ups was computed using the shows a line at a 45° angle, this is because from
ℎ two points, start and finish, the person has
formula 𝑡 = 2 𝑔 (where h is the distance the meter
covered a positive distance. While the velocity
stick has fallen from the 50 cm mark to where the
versus time graph shows a horizontal line because
meter stick was caught and g is the measure of
the speed at which the distance is covered is
gravity). Lastly, the procedure was repeated and
constant.
the reaction time of each member was
determined. Graph 2

Figure 2.1 Experimental set-up for reaction time

Graph 2 was done as a prediction of

displacement versus time graph and velocity
versus time graph of a person moving toward a
chosen starting point with constant velocity for a
period of 10 seconds.
The displacement versus time graph
shows a downward slope or a -45° angle because
the person walked back to the starting area which
causes the total displacement have a value of
zero. The velocity versus time graph shows a
horizontal line due to the speed is still constant.

Figure 2.2 Close-up of the experimental set-up for Graph 3

reaction time

4. Results and Discussion:

Graph 1

Graph 3 was done as a prediction of the

displacement versus time graph and velocity
versus time graph of a person moving away from
a chosen starting point along a straight line with
increasing speed for a period of 10 seconds.

Graph 1 was done as a prediction of The displacement versus time graph is a

displacement versus time graph and velocity line that is increasing. This is due to having a
versus time graph of a person moving away with speed that is increasing therefore the distance
constant velocity from a chosen starting point for covered will be increasing. The velocity versus
a period of 10 seconds.
time graph shows a 45° because the speed of The rate of motion given for table one
motion is increasing. was not uniform as to the average velocity
differing for every second. As well as the results
Table 1: Results for Graphical Analysis of for reaction time, each individual student has
Motion
different recorded numbers. This is because
Time Total Average Instantaneous different people have different reaction speeds
Displacement Velocity Velocity from one another. There is, however, a problem
with regards to accuracy during the experiment.
1 The time given was not precise as to which a step
is not taken at exactly a second.

2 Student Reaction Reaction Time (s)

Time (s) while calling
3
1 1.75 s N/A
4
2 1.64 s N/A
5
3 2.30 s N/A
6
4 3.06 s N/A
7
5 2.93 s N/A
8

9
10
Table 1 was done with one of the
researchers as the experimental unit in which the
person was asked to walk in a straight line for 10
seconds and to measure the displacement
achieved every second within the 10 second
frame.
Table 2: Results for Reaction Time
Table 2 was done with a meter stick
vertically held while one of the researchers places
their thumb and index finger at the 50 cm mark.
The meter stick is then released and the researcher
catches it with their thumb and index finger.
5. Conclusion
The experiment about kinematics was a
successful in determining one’s normal reaction
time with the use of a meter stick and a stopwatch.
It is also successful in determining the
relationship between displacement and time as
well as velocity and time how one affects the
other by drawing displacement over time graphs
and velocity over time graphs.
6. Application
1.) Devise a way to determine the height of a
building using only a stopwatch.
To determine the height of a building
using a stopwatch drop a ball from the top of
the building and record the time it takes for the
ball to reach the ground. Compute for the distance
travelled by the ball using the formula 𝐻 =
1
2
𝑎𝑡 2 , Where 𝐻 is the height of the building, 𝑎 is
the constant gravitational acceleration of the ball
which is 9.8𝑚/𝑠 2 , and 𝑡 is the time it takes for
the ball to reach the ground.
e.g.

Cutnell, J. D., & Johnson, K. W. (2015).

Introduction to physics. London: John Wiley &
Sons. Retrieved from
http://fsinet.fsid.cvut.cz/en/U2052/Kinematics.p
df
Motion. (n.d.). Retrieved August 28, 2017, from
https://www.britannica.com/science/motion-
mechanics

1 2 Silverio, A. A., & Bernas, G. D. (n.d.). Physics:

𝐻= 𝑎𝑡 exploring life through science. Quezon City:
2
Phoenix Publishing House, Inc., 2012.
1
𝐻 = ( )(9.8 𝑚/𝑠 2 )𝑥 (5.06𝑠)2
2
𝐻 = 125.46 𝑚
2.) From the point of view of physics, is there a
basis to the law banning the use of cellphones
while driving?
The use of cellphones while driving
increases the chance of getting a road accident,
because the use of cellphones while driving
increases the driver’s reaction time and the
average driver’s reaction is 2.3 seconds and if
they are using they are using their cellphones
while driving it will hinder their focus on the road
and more onto their cell phones thus it will
increase their reaction time therefore furthering
the time it will take for the driver to engage on the
brakes resulting to an accident.
3.) Draw your displacement versus time graph
and velocity versus time graph from your home
on your way to UST and back.
7. References: