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AWAY WE GO
You have learned that there are many factors involved when talking about motion. But, we are not finished yet. Yes, there is one more idea that we must look into. So far when describing motion we have analyzed data on time, distance, and velocity. In this investigation we will add acceleration to our repertoire.
Objective: Students will analyze data using time, distance, and velocity in order to compare accelerated and constant motion.
Materials
Computer
Vernier Motion Detector
Vernier Interface
Masking tape
Logger Pro
Meter stick
Day 3: Acceleration Activity A
1. Place the meter stick on the table. Move your pencil 1 meter in 5 seconds.
2. Repeat step 1, this time moving your pencil 1 meter in 2 seconds.
3. Describe the difference between the two movements.
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Activity 2
Scientists define acceleration as the rate at which velocity changes. Remember that velocity describes both the speed and direction of an object. In science, acceleration refers to increasing speed, decreasing speed, or changing direction.
Adapted from Prentice Hall Science Explorer: Motion, Forces, and Energy\
3. According to the scientific meaning of acceleration, which of the following sentences is true? Explain your answer.
a. When you step on the gas, the car accelerates.
b. When you step on the brake, the car accelerates.
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Activity C
4. Study the graph on Resource Sheet 1. Explain how the acceleration vs. time graph differs from the other two graphs.
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5. Read the procedures for Part C: Acceleration.
Part C
1. There are 3 activity stations around the room; you and your Design Team will need to get to all 3 stations.
2. I will tell you when it is time to switch stations; you will have 7 minutes at each station.
When you get to the station you will need to read the directions and follow the steps that are given.
3. Each member of you group will need a pen or pencil and a blank sheet of looseleaf paper.
6. Reread the procedures, highlight the verbs.
7. Complete the procedures for Part C: Acceleration.
8. Circle the statements that demonstrate constant motion.
a. the distance from the starting point did not change.
b. velocity increases at a constant rate.
c. acceleration increases at a constant rate.
d. the car traveled at a speed of 20 miles per hour.
Analysis
1. Compare accelerated and constant motion. Be sure to include data from the investigation to support your answer.
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Graph 1
Acceleration Station 1
Materials:
Marbles
Wood board
Stopwatch
Procedures:
1. Pick an incline for your marble to roll down.
2. Have someone stand at the end of the board.
3. You are going to record the time it takes for your marble to roll down the board.
4. Roll the marble and record the time.
5. Do this three times at the same incline.
6. Then pick a different incline and repeat procedures 3 and 4.
*Remember – acceleration is any change in speed and direction; that means when the marble slows down or turns it is accelerating!
Acceleration Station 2
Materials:
Calculator
Acceleration Station 3
Materials:
Accelerometer
Procedures:
1. Have one person in the group pick up the accelerometer.
2. Have another person observing what happens to the accelerometer.
3. First, have the person with the accelerometer take quick large step and stop.
4. Observer should record your observations on your paper.
5. Next, have the person with the accelerometer walk across the room at a constant speed.
6. Observer should record the observations.
7. Switch places and repeat steps 1-6.
Name: ______
Group members: ______
Away We Go Station Questions
Acceleration Station 1
1. What is the average speed for your marble at the first incline and the second incline?
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2. Determine the cause of the marbles acceleration.
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3. What type of conditions caused the greatest acceleration of the marble?
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Acceleration Station 2
1. A roller coaster is constantly accelerating (changing its velocity) as it travels up and down and around. To calculate the acceleration of a roller coaster, divide the change in velocity by the time it takes the velocity to change.
Acceleration = (final velocity-original time)
time
Calculate the following acceleration problem: A roller coaster’s original velocity is 0km/s and its final velocity in 30 km/s. The roller coaster ride takes 60 seconds to complete. Find the acceleration.
2. A roller coaster car rapidly picks up speed as it rolls down a slope. As it starts down the slope, its speed is 4 m/s. But 3 seconds later, at the bottom of the slope, its speed is 22 m/s. What is its average acceleration?
3. A cyclist accelerates from 0 m/s to 8 m/s in 3 seconds. What is his acceleration ?
Is this acceleration higher than that of a car which accelerates from 0 to 30 m/s in 8 seconds?
Acceleration Station 3
1. When did the washer move the most?
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2. Where did you see the least movement?
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3. Which one was showing accelerated motion and which is showing constant motion? How do you know?
Accerated:______
Constant: ______
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Exit Ticket – Away We Go
1. Acceleration refers to ______, ______and
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2. Which of the graphs above shows constant motion and which show accelerated motion? Explain why!
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