Summary of Graphs
The relation between graphs of position, velocity and acceleration as functions of time is summarised in the next set of figures in this lesson. You will also often be required to draw graphs based on a description of the motion in words or from a diagram. Remember ...
Summary of Graphs
The relation between graphs of position, velocity and acceleration as functions of time is summarised in the next set of figures.
Position-time, Velocity-time and Acceleration-time Graphs.
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Stationary object |
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Uniform motion |
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Motion with constant acceleration |
You will also often be required to draw graphs based on a description of the motion in words or from a diagram. Remember that these are just different methods of presenting the same information. If you keep in mind the general shapes of the graphs for the different types of motion, there should not be any difficulty with explaining what is happening.
Tip:
The description of the motion represented by a graph should include the following (where possible):
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whether the object is moving in the positive or negative direction
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whether the object is at rest, moving at constant velocity or moving at constant positive acceleration (speeding up) or constant negative acceleration (slowing down)
Experiment: Position Versus Time Using a Ticker Timer
Aim
To measure the position and time during motion and to use that data to plot a “Position vs. Time” graph.
Motion with increasing velocity.
Apparatus
Trolley, ticker tape apparatus, tape, graph paper, ruler, ramp
Motion at constant velocity
Method
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Work with a friend. Copy the table below into your workbook.
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Attach a length of tape to the trolley.
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Run the other end of the tape through the ticker timer.
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Start the ticker timer going and roll the trolley down the ramp.
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Repeat steps 1–3.
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On each piece of tape, measure the distance between successive dots. Note these distances in the table below.
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Use the frequency of the ticker timer to work out the time intervals between successive dots. Note these times in the table below,
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Work out the average values for distance and time.
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Use the average distance and average time values to plot a graph of “Distance vs. Time” onto graph paper. Stick the graph paper into your workbook. (Remember that “A vs. B” always means “\(y\) vs. \(x\)”).
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Insert all axis labels and units onto your graph.
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Draw the best straight line through your data points.
Results
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Distance (m) |
Time (s) |
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1 |
2 |
Ave. |
1 |
2 |
Ave. |
Discussion
Describe the motion of the trolley down the ramp.
This lesson is part of:
One-Dimensional Motion