Physics Lab

Moving Man - Acceleration vs. Time Graphs

Procedure – Open The Moving Man simulation file or go to http://www.colorado.edu/physics/phet and find “The Moving Man” simulation under the category of “motion.”

1. Making predictions: Make a graph like the one below on the Lab Form for each scenario. Without using Moving Man, sketch what you think the graphs would look like for the following scenario and explain your reasoning. (Use a Blue Pen, or a Blue line for your prediction)

Scenario A: The man is moving at a constant positive velocity.

2. Now, use the Moving Man simulation to verify or correct your predicted graphs and reasoning with a red pen or red line. Be sure to use the sliders to enter d, v, or a; if you try to move the man by hand, the results will not be good.

3. Complete the graphs and explain your reasoning for each additional scenario below.

Scenario B: The man is moving at a constant negative velocity.

Scenario C: The man is moving with a constant positive acceleration.

Scenario D: The man is moving with a constant negative acceleration.

Explain your reasoning for the graph’s appearance before running the simulation.

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Acceleration (m/s2)

Time

(s)

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Distance (m)

Time

(s)

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Velocity (m/s)

Time

(s)