Physics lab

Name __________________ Acceleration vs. Time Graphing

Go to http://phet.colorado.edu/simulations/sims.php?sim=The_Moving_Man

and click on Run Now.

Objectives:

· To predict, sketch and test acceleration vs. time kinematics graphs

· To review predicting and sketching distance vs. time and velocity vs. time kinematics graphs

PROCEDURE:

1. Begin by making charts like the one below for each of the following a-d

a. The man walks slowly to the house from the origin.
Position –Time Graph ______________________	Explanation for graph’s appearance –after actually performing the activity.
Velocity-Time Graph _____________________	Explanation for graph’s appearance - after actually performing the activity.
Acceleration –Time Graph _______________________________	Explanation for graph’s appearance - after actually performing the activity.

b. The man is sleeping under the tree. When he wakes up he runs toward the house constantly speeding up as he goes.

c. The man steps outside the house pausing to lock the door. He then walks quickly for 3 meters then immediately slows down and walks the rest of the way at this slow pace to the tree.

d. The man walks steadily toward the tree, stops to pick up a leaf, turns and walks steadily toward the house slowing to a stop before he arrives.

2. Use MOVING MAN to verify or correct your predicted graph with a different colored pen.

3. Explain the reasoning for each graph.

4. Write an acceleration scenario, sketch the d-t, v-t, and a-t graphs for the story in red pen, then verify or correct your prediction in a different color pen.