Aug 28 and 29

I.  Creating acceleration graphs.  Until this point, we have only moved at a constant speed.  But that's not how the world always works.


Use a board (found between the two 4-drawer filing cabinet) that is place on a book or two to create a ramp. DO NOT MAKE THE RAMP VERY STEEP. Use  a non-motorized car (they are green, and found in the far right hand cupboard by the window), and a logger pro to create four d-t and v-t graphs

Trial 1: Place the logger pro at the top of the ramp.   Let go of the car so it rolls down.
Trial 2: Place the logger pro at the bottom of the ramp.  Place the car at the top of the ramp and let it roll down towards the logger pro.
Trial 3:  Place the logger pro at the top of the ramp.   Place the car at the bottom of the ramp.  Give it a sharp push so it rolls up and down the ramp.
Trial 4:  Place the logger pro at the bottom of the ramp.  Place the car at the bottom of the ramp.  Give it a sharp push so it rolls up and down the ramp.

Print each of the 4 trials.  Each printed sheet should have a d-t and a v-t graph.

II.  Be ready to explain the difference between speed and velocity by reading the Physics Classroom   The animations and problems on this page are really helpful, and should help increase your understanding.

III.  Check your understanding of the first 4 trials by thinking about what is happening to the velocity in each case (the acceleration is always a negative value of 10, which is considered to be caused by gravity).  Use this applet or the motion man applet to check your answers

IV.  Finish the packet.  At this point, you should be able to do that with ease.