Graphing your Motion

1.    Describe the difference between the two lines on your graph made in Steps 4 and 5. Explain why the lines are different.
When you move slowly backward, the motion sensing device graphs a gently sloping line. Moving fast graphs a steep sloped line as the devise measures the distance from it.
2.    How would the graph change if you walked toward the Motion Detector rather than away from it? Test your answer.
I think that the graph would go from high to low and depending on the speed of the movement it would have a slope that was steeper or not very steep.
3.    What did you have to do to match the graph you were given in Step 7?
You had to stand still for about 5 sec., then move backward at a quick pace, then stand still for about 3 sec., then move backwards quickly for about 4 sec., then stand still for about 5 sec.
4.    Describe the difference between the two lines on the graph made in Steps 10 and 11. Explain why the lines are different.
When you walk backwards fast it makes a less sparatic result, than walking backwards slowly.
5.    What is the definition of velocity?
The rate at which an object changes position.
6.    What did you have to do to match the graph you were given in Step 13? How well does your graph match the given graph?
You had to hold still for about 1 second and move quickly backwards and then hold still for about 3 3/4 more seconds.
Our graph didn't match the given graph. Our became sparatic when we were attempting to move backward.
7.   Describe the motion needed to make this graph.

If it is a position vs. time graph: Move quickly backwards, hold still for 2 seconds, then move quickly back to where you started.

If it is a velocity vs. time graph: Accelerate backwards for about 1 second then keep moving backward at a quick and constant pace for about 2 seconds, then quickly decelerate back towards your starting point for 2 seconds.

8.    How does the acceleration vs. time graph differ from the other two graphs?

The velocity vs time graph graphs the speed at which you move and in the direction you move.

9. On your velocity vs. time graph, label the acceleration and deceleration portions. 

10. On your acceleration vs. time graph, label the acceleration and deceleration portions. 

11. What is acceleration?

Acceleration is a vector quantity that is defined by the rate at which an object changes its position.