Graphing your Motion

Yesterday when we used the motion sensor, it picked up every single movement! We used this piece of technology o test acceleration and velocity, as well as position. Our first test we moved slowly backwards, then faster! When moving slowly backwards, the line on the graph was pretty steady, but when we moved backwards faster the line was more jagged, and arched upwards.
Our next test was to try and match a graph. So we tried matching our movements, so when they showed up on the screen they were as close as possible to the original graph. We were all fairly close, but none of our lines were perfectly straight.

1.) Describe the difference between the two lines on your graph made in Steps 4 and 5. Explain why the lines are different. 

One lines' slope is faster/slopes up higher. 

2.) How would the graph change if you walked toward the Motion Detector rather than away from it? Test your answer.

The line would go down/it would have a negative slope. 

3.) What did you have to do to match the graph you were given in Step 7?

Stand still and walk backwards at the intervals of time. 

Our 3rd test was to do the same as we did in test one. We slowly moved backwards, which in this graph, the lines went crazy all over! Then we walked backwards faster, and the lines spiked upwards! 

The fourth test was to try and match another graph. Our results were crazy! None of the lines were even close to the given graph. 

4.) Describe the difference between the two lines on the graph made in Steps 10 and 11. Explain why the lines are different.

One had more spikes/the lines went up higher. 

5.) What is the definition of velocity? 

The displacement of an object over time. 

6.) What did you have to do to match the graph you were given in Step 13? How well does your graph match the given graph?

You have to not move, then start moving again. And our graph did not match the given graph AT ALL. 

7.) What is acceleration?

The change of velocity over time. 

So, to end the day, we figured out the measurement you use to graph things is very important. Ex: There is a VERY big difference between 1 meter/sec.and measuring 0.1 meters/sec. We also learned that there are many different ways to graph one movement.