Motion Graphing
Background Information:
This lab allows students to conceptually explore motion graphing. Students should have been introduced to the terminology of velocity, constant velocity and acceleration. A thorough understanding of these concepts is not important prior to the lab. Hopefully their understanding will be enhanced by the lab.
Set-Up:
The set-up of the track, sensor and cart will be varied by the students in order to match the graph. The students will be recording each set - up by sketching it on the observation sheet.
Procedures:
The operation of the equipment is given in the Computer Use section. Students are to adjust their track, the placement of the Motion Sensor and the direction they push the cart in order to reproduce the shape of the graphs given on the observation sheet. Students should describe their procedures on the student lab sheet.
Data / Observation:
See example in"Student Instfuctions". Students are to sketch their set-up indicating the slope of the track, the placement of the motion sensor and the direction of the push on the cart.
Calculations:
No calculations for this lab.
Conclusions:
- Students conclusions should answer these three questions about the graphical representation of motion.:
- How is direction represented on a distance vs. time graph? On a velocity vs. time graph?
- How is speed represented on a distance vs. time graph? On a velocity vs. time graph?
- How is acceleration represented on a distance vs. time graph? On a velocity vs. time graph?
Questions:
- Discuss questions raised by the students.
- Assign students to find answers to questions raised.
Extensions:
- Have students try to match graphs drawn by other students.
- A good follow up activity is "Graphs and Tracks" from Physics Academic Software.
Notes:
- Keep the students from allowing the cart to hit the motion sensor.
- There are no unusual safety hazards for this lab.
The Big Question:
How is the direction of motion, the speed of motion and changing speed represented on a graph?
Equipment / Materials:
- Computer
- Laboratory Interface
- Motion detector
- Low friction cart
- Linear track (flat plank will work)
- Supports for the track (Textbooks work well.)
Computer Set Up
- Connect the interface to the computer and connect the interface to a power supply.
- Connect the Motion detector to the interface (for a Vernier ULI use Port 2.)
- Turn on the interface and the computer.
- Open the motion detector software ("MacMotion" for a Macintosh and Vernier equipment)
- Set the display to show two graphs. Make one a distance vs. time graph and the other a velocity vs. time graph.
Computer Use
- Adjust the distance scale to 2 meters and the time scale to about 3 to 5 seconds. These can be adjusted once you see how the data looks.
- Display both Distance and Velocity graphs at the same time or use the software to switch from one to another.
- Click the "Start" or "Collect" button. The computer will begin collecting data.
- Release or push the cart to produce the graph.
Set-Up:
You will vary the arrangement of the track, cart and motion sensor in order to produce the graphs on your observation sheet.
Procedures:
- The operation of the equipment is given in the Computer Use section.
- Describe the actual procedure you use on the student lab sheet.
Data / Observation:
Sketch the arrangement of the apparatus required to obtain the given graph on the Observation Sheet. below Also describe what had to be done to produce the graph and state if the motion is constant velocity or accelerated motion. See "Observation Sample" below.
Observation Sample
Calculations:
There are no calculations for this lab.
Conclusions:
- Address these six questions about the graphical representation of motion on your lab sheet under conclusions.:
- How is direction represented on a distance vs. time graph? On a velocity vs. time graph?
- How is speed represented on a distance vs. time graph? On a velocity vs. time graph?
- How is acceleration represented on a distance vs. time graph? On a velocity vs. time graph?
Questions:
Record any questions that arose in the lab. Include any answers to the questions you may have found.
Student Instructions for LabPro
The Big Question:
How is the direction of motion, the speed of motion and changing speed represented on a graph?
Equipment / Materials:
- Computer
- LabPro
- LoggerPro software
- Motion detector
- Low friction cart
- Linear track (flat plank will work)
- Supports for the track (Textbooks work well.)
Computer Set Up
- Connect the interface to the computer and connect the interface to a power supply.
- Connect the Motion detector to the LabPro in the Dig/Sonic1 port.
- Turn on the computer.
- Open the LoggerPro software.
- Under the Experiment menu choose Show Sensors and select the Motion Detector in the appropriate port. You should have a distance vs. time graph and a velocity vs. time graph.
Computer Use
- Adjust the distance scale to 2 meters and the time scale to about 3 to 5 seconds. These can be adjusted once you see how the data looks.
- You can display both Distance and Velocity graphs at the same time or use your software to switch from one to another.
- Click the "Start" or "Collect" button. The computer will begin collecting data.
- Release or push the cart to produce the graph.
Set-Up:
You will vary the arrangement of the track, cart and motion sensor in order to produce the graphs on your observation sheet.
Procedures:
- The operation of the equipment is given in the Computer Use section.
- Describe the actual procedure you use on the student lab sheet.
Data / Observation:
Sketch the arrangement of the apparatus required to obtain the given graph on the Observation Sheet. below Also describe what had to be done to produce the graph and state if the motion is constant velocity or accelerated motion. See "Observation Sample" below.
Observation Sample
Calculations:
There are no calculations for this lab.
Conclusions:
- Address these six questions about the graphical representation of motion on your lab sheet under conclusions.:
- How is direction represented on a distance vs. time graph? On a velocity vs. time graph?
- How is speed represented on a distance vs. time graph? On a velocity vs. time graph?
- How is acceleration represented on a distance vs. time graph? On a velocity vs. time graph?
Questions:
Record any questions that arose in the lab. Include any answers to the questions you may have found.
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