Names: _______________________________
Date: _____________________________
Block: ______________
Linear Motion Graphs
Physics
Objectives:
 Analyze the motion of a student walking across the room.
 Predict, sketch, and test distance vs. time kinematics graphs.
Materials:
Vernier LabQuest
Vernier Motion Detector
meter stick
Procedure:
Part 1: Preliminary Experiments
1. Plug the Motion Detector into the DIG 1 port on the LabQuest.
3. Turn on the LabQuest. It should automatically recognize the Motion Detector and
display a distance on the screen. You may also hear it clicking. This is the sound
wave it is sending out.
4. The 2nd tab at the top of the LabQuest is the graphing tab. Select this tab. Select
“Analyze” drop down. Select “Motion Match” and then “New Position Match”. You
will see your first background graph on the screen. For the first part of this lab, you
will be ignoring the graph that is already shown on the screen. NOTE: The graph on
the LabQuest should show a scale that goes from 0 to 3 m and 0 to 5 s. Plan
accordingly. If it has a different range, select “Graph” and change the scale. On Graph
#1 label the X and Y axis. Label the first 3 vertical tick marks and every fourth
horizontal tick mark.
5. You will make a graph of your motion when you walk away from the detector with a
slow constant velocity. To do this, stand 0.5 m (this is the closest it will register) in
front of the Motion Detector and have your lab partner select “Play”. Walk VERY
SLOWLY (about baby crawling speed!) away from the Motion Detector when you
hear it begin to click rapidly. The graph will be drawn as you walk. Sketch this graph
(ignore the background graph) as Graph #2. Below the graph describe the motion
that produced this graph.
6. Predict and sketch what the distance vs. time graph will look like if you walk faster in
Graph #3. Check your prediction with the Motion Detector. To collect more data,
press “Play” again. Sketch this as Graph #4.
7. Repeat the last step and create graphs (one predicted and one actual) for:
a. An object at rest (Graph #5 and #6)
b. An object moving in the negative direction, towards the Motion Detector,
VERY slowly.(Graph #7 and #8)
c. An object moving in the negative direction, towards the Motion Detector,
at a faster pace. (Graph #9 and #10)
Please label all of your graphs clearly!!!
Part 2: Distance vs. Time Graph Matching
8. In this part, you are going to try to come as close as you can to matching the given
graph on the screen.
9. The program can generate random target distance graphs for you to match.
10. Sketch a copy of the graph shown on your LabQuest. (Graph #11)
11. To test your prediction, choose a starting position and stand at that point. Start data
collection by pressing “Play”. When you hear the Motion Detector begin to click,
walk in such a way that the graph of your motion matches the target graph on the
calculator screen.
12. If you were not successful, repeat the process until your motion closely matches the
graph on the screen. Sketch the graph with your best attempt over your graph.
Describe what you actually had to do to make the graph.
13. Allow each member in your group to perform a distance graph match (Steps 10-12)
with a new graph just like you did in Step 4. Predict and sketch for your remaining
group members graphs. (Graphs #12 and #13)
14. Sketch a parabola (not a V) opening upward in Graph #14 and predict how you would
make it. Ignore whatever graph is in the background and walk in such a way that you
produce a parabola. Sketch this graph and write your actual description next to the
graph.
Analysis Questions: On a separate piece of paper answer each of the following questions.
1. Explain the significance of the slope of a distance vs. time graph. Include a discussion
of positive and negative slope.
2. What type of motion is occurring when the slope of a distance vs. time graph is zero?
3. What type of motion is occurring when the slope of a distance vs. time graph is
constant (a straight line)?
4. What type of motion is occurring when the slope of a distance vs. time graph is
changing (a curved line)?
5. Explain how you would make a parabola which opens downward.
Graph #1
Label the axes with numbers
Graph #3
Prediction-Walking quickly away.
Graph #5
Prediction-At rest
Graph #2
Walking VERY slowly away.
Graph #4
Walking quickly away.
Graph #6
At rest
Graph #7
Prediction-Walking VERY slowly toward
Graph #9
Prediction-Quickly toward
Graph #8
Walking VERY slowly toward
Graph #10
Quickly toward
Description of Motion required for match:
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Graph #11
Match 1
Description of Motion required for match:
Graph #12
Match 2
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Description of Motion required for match:
Graph #13
Match 3
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Description of Motion required for match:
Graph #14
Parabola
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