Lab Copy: Do Not Write On This Copy

GG’s Position Time Graphs

Your research team leader (G. G.) insists that there must be an effective way to analyze
motion from a position vs. time graph. G.G. maintains that there must be multiple pieces of
information that one can attain from a graph. Your team is assigned the task of determining
what multiple qualities of motion can be discovered from one position vs. time graph.

OBJECTIVES
 Analyze the motion of a student walking across the room.
 Predict, sketch, and test distance vs. time kinematics graphs.
 Discover what qualities of motion can be understood from a position vs time graph.
MATERIALS
pc Vernier Motion Detector
Universal Lab Interface Meter-stick
Logger Pro Software Post-It Notes
PRELIMINARY QUESTIONS Do these before you start the lab.
1. Sketch the distance vs. time (distance on the y-axis & time on the x-axis) graph for each of the
following situations:
• An object at rest
• An object moving in the positive direction with a constant speed
• An object moving in the negative direction with a constant speed
• An object that is accelerating in the positive direction, starting from rest
PROCEDURE
Part l Distance vs. Time Graph Matching
2. Connect the Motion Detector to DIG/Sonic1 of the LabPro Interface.
3. Place the Motion Detector so that it points toward an open space at roughly 4 m long (we may
have to move desks around). Use Post-It Notes or blue painter’s tape on the floor to mark the
1 m, 2 m, 3 m, and 4 m distances from the Motion Detector.

4. Prepare the computer for data collection by opening this file / link:
http://prettygoodphysics.wikispaces.com/space/showimage/Walking+Challenge+1.cmbl

5. The distance vs. time graph shown will appear.

GG’s Position Time Graphs 1

GG’s Position vs. Time Graphs

6. In your lab notebook, predict how you would walk to produce this target graph.

7. To test your prediction, choose a starting position and stand at that point. Start data collection
by clicking . When you hear the Motion Detector begin to click, walk in such a way that
Collect

the graph of your motion matches the target graph on the computer screen.

8. If you were not successful, repeat the process until your motion closely matches the graph on
the screen. If a printer is attached, print the graph with your best attempt. If you don’t have a
printer available, sketch your matching graph in your notebook.

9. Once you’ve come close to matching the first graph, try the following:
< http://prettygoodphysics.wikispaces.com/space/showimage/Walking+Challenge+2.cmbl>

< http://prettygoodphysics.wikispaces.com/space/showimage/Walking+Challenge+3.cmbl>

< http://prettygoodphysics.wikispaces.com/space/showimage/Walking+Challenge+4.cmbl>

ANALYSIS
Distance vs. Time Graph Matching
1. Explain the significance of the slope of a distance vs. time graph. Include a discussion of
positive and negative slope.

2. What units of measure are used to describe the slope?

3. What type of motion is occurring when the slope of a distance vs. time graph is zero?

4. What type of motion is occurring when the slope of a distance vs. time graph is constant (and
not zero)?

5. What type of motion is occurring when the slope of a distance vs. time graph is changing?

6. What do you have to do to change the slope?

7. What do you have to do to keep the slope constant?

8. What does the y-intercept of this graph represent?

9. How could you change the y-intercept?