PASCO
MAIN PROCEDURE
   
In this experiment, students match given position v. time data; then create corresponding velocity v. time and acceleration v. time graphs. Similarly, they create velocity v. time and position v. time graphs from a graph of acceleration v. time.



Motion Matching
    1. Observe the position v. time graph. Adjust the incline of the ramp, the location of the Motion Sensor, and the starting position of the car to match the given data on the position v. time graph.

    2. Press the Start button and put the car into motion.

    3. Press the Stop button when appropriate.

    4. Repeat steps 1-3 until the graphs match.
Making a Velocity-Time graph from the Position-Time graph:


    1. Using the cursor, highlight a section of the data that was collected from the beginning of the data run.

    2. Press the Scale-to-Fit button .

    3. Select the Smart Tool .

    4. Drag the Smart Cursor to a data point. Record the time value.

    5. Move the Smart Tool away from the data point.

    6. Select the Slope Tool .

    7. Move the slope cursor over the same data point. Record this value.

    8. With no data points highlighted, select the Scale-to-Fit button .

    9. Repeat steps 1-8 at least 10 more times and enter the values into the Velocity v. Time graph. Make sure the data points are evenly spaced.


Making an Acceleration-Time graph from the Velocity-Time graph:

Repeat the steps above for the Velocity v. Time graph. Enter the values into the Acceleration v. Time graph.


Making a Velocity-Time graph from an Acceleration-Time graph:

According to the instructor's directions open one of the following DataStudio files:

PASPORT
Windows (.zip files)   Macintosh (.sit files)
 

ScienceWorkshop
Windows (.zip files)   Macintosh (.sit files)
 
    1. Select the Smart Tool .

    2. Drag the Smart Cursor to a data point. Record this time value.

    3. Select the Statistics Tool .

    4. Using the cursor, drag a rectangle from the first data point to the Smart Cursor so that the entire area in between is shaded. Note: the "Area" function of the Statistics Tool is already activated.

    5. Enter the value in the Statistics window into the Velocity v. Time graph.

    6. Repeat steps 1-5 at least 10 more times and enter the values into the Velocity v. Time graph. Make sure the data points are evenly spaced.


Making a Position-Time graph from a Velocity-Time graph:

Repeat the steps above for the Velocity v. Time graph. Enter the values into the Position v. Time graph.
    1. Describe how changing the angle of the incline affects the velocity and acceleration of the car.

    2. What is the physical meaning of the slope in a position v. time graph?

    3. What is the physical meaning of the sign of the slope in a position v. time graph?

    4. What is the physical meaning of the slope in a velocity v. time graph?

    5. What is the physical meaning of the sign of the slope in a velocity v. time graph?

    6. What is the physical meaning of the area in an acceleration v. time graph?

    7. What is the physical meaning of the sign of the area in an acceleration v. time graph?

    8. What is the physical meaning of the area in a velocity v. time graph?

    9. What is the physical meaning of the sign of the area in a velocity v. time graph?

    10. What important information is lacking when creating a position v. time graph from a velocity v. time graph? Explain.

    11. What important information is lacking when creating a velocity v. time graph from an acceleration v. time graph? Explain.