Part 1: Position vs Time Graphs

Setup Video

1. The 7 basic lines/curves that make up every graph are shown below. In this part, you will be considering what these lines/curves mean on a position versus time graph. For each graph, predict what kind of motion, including direction, causes each curve. Record your predictions. Then test your predictions by matching the trial videos with the appropriate shape. Record the actual motion needed to create each graph if your prediction was wrong. On the IOLab software, we will choose the “Wheel” option from the bottom of the sensor list. We will only need to have “Position” checked off on the “Wheel” sensor. Then we will click “Record” and make the motion with the IOLab device, then click “Stop”. Watch the “Wheel Sensor Explanation” video before testing your predictions.

2. Match the trials found in the playlist linked below to the appropriate graph shape:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbMHrHiroYBz8bb9K45L-0txpvI520B33

3. The next graph combines some of the 7 basic lines/curves. We’ll use the IOLab device to determine the type of motion that creates this graph. Record the results.

Part 2: Velocity vs Time Graphs

1. In this part, you will be translating the 7 basic lines/curves into velocity versus time (V-t) graphs. Imagine each of the position vs. time graphs as representing the motion of a car. Draw what you think the corresponding V-t graph would look like for each of these graphs. Then test your predictions using the data from collected in the trials from Part 1. To do this, open the IOLab software and open the online repository by clicking on cloud button shown in the figure below.

2. You will need to register as a new user and let me know your user name so I can share the data sets with you.
3. After you have made your predictions, go to the online repository and view each of the data sets that were collected in Part 1. Check the box called “Wheel – Velocity” to display the corresponding velocity vs time graph. You can use the Zoom tool if you want to enlarge any portion of the graph (See the setup video for this lab).
4. The next graph combines some of the 7 basic lines/curves. We’ll use the IOLab device to determine the type of motion that creates this graph.