P-T Graphs and Lab Reports

Today we worked on making graphs of position vs time and velocity vs time for several different constant velocity scenarios. Here are a few key points...

1.  Pay attention to the starting point of the motion for a p-t graph and which direction the object is moving. + means east, -- means west

2.  Constant velocity motion means a straight, sloped line.

3.  Motion in the positive direction means the slope of the p-t graph is positive.

4.  Motion in the negative direction means the slope of the p-t graph is negative.

5.  Velocity-time graphs look strange for constant motion. They are a series of horizontal line segments.

In the second half of the period we worked on the Tumble Buggy lab reports. Here are some tips for the analysis section...

• Include the equations of the lines that fit your two graphs...for 1 battery and 2 batteries.
• Write a paragraph that EXPLAINS the relationship that you found between position and time for the cars. Explain what it means that the relationship is linear.
• Use the graph/equation to determine the velocity of the tumble buggy for both battery settings.

The conclusion should be a more succinct description of whether or not there is a relationship between the two variables.

Get ready for Tumble Buggy jousting next week!