Trial 1 — Constant Velocity
Real-time position–time (p–t), velocity–time (v–t), and acceleration–time (a–t) line graphs with a synchronized data table.
- Describe the shape of the p–t graph.
- [SEP] Calculate the slope of the p–t graph and report units.
- Compare this slope to the value on the v–t graph. Explain any differences (e.g., noise or non-ideal pushes).
Trial 2 — Bounce
Same graphs with a collision event captured as the cart strikes the end stop and reverses.
- Identify the instant of collision on the v–t graph.
- What happens to the sign of velocity at impact, and what does that represent physically?
- [SEP] Using the data table, estimate the cart’s average acceleration during the brief collision interval.
Trial 3 — Constant Acceleration (Incline)
Cart released from rest on a gentle slope showing uniformly accelerated motion.
- Describe the shape of the p–t graph. What does its curvature indicate?
- [SEP] Calculate the slope of the v–t graph and interpret it as acceleration.
- Compare your calculated slope to the average value on the a–t graph.
Trial 4 — Up and Down the Ramp
Cart is pushed up the incline, momentarily stops at the highest point, then rolls back down.
- Find the instant when the cart reaches its highest point. What is its velocity at that moment?
- What is the cart’s acceleration at that same moment? Explain why acceleration is not zero when velocity is zero.
- [SEP] Mark the turning point on all three graphs and describe how each represents this event.
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