Physics I – PHYS 243L

(General Physics, with Calculus)

Title: Graph Matching

Course Name/ Number: Physics I (Calculus) – PHYS 243L

Class Time/ Section Number: 4:00 pm – 6:50 pm / Section 1

Performed: September 19th, 2018

Submitted: September 26th, 2018

I. ABSTRACT
II. INTRODUCTION

A. Objective:
 The purposes of this experiment were to analyze the motion of a

student walking across the room; predict, sketch, and test position vs. time

kinematics graphs; and predict, sketch, and test velocity vs. time

kinematics graphs using a motion detector.

B. Theory:

Motion can be defined as an object’s change in position over time.

The best way of representing motion, is by kinematics graphs of position

vs. time, velocity vs. time, and acceleration vs. time. Kinematic graphs

describe an object’s direction, distance, speed, and acceleration. This

experiment focuses on two real time kinematics graphs, position vs. time,

and velocity vs. time, plotted by the detection of motion. Motion can be

detected with the use of a motion detector in which measures the time it

takes for a high frequency sound pulse to travel from the detector to an

object and back.

A position vs. time graph consists of a vertical axis in which

represents the position of an object, and a horizontal axis that represents

the time elapsed. The slope of a position graph indicates the velocity of the

object.

A velocity vs. time graph consists of a vertical axis in which

represents the velocity of the object, and a horizontal axis that represents

the time elapsed. The slope of a velocity graph indicates the acceleration

of the object, and the area under the velocity graph indicates the

displacement of the object.

A. Equipment:

The apparatus used in this experiment were a computer, a Vernier

computer interface, Logger Pro, a Vernier Motion Detector, a meter stick, and

colorful dotted tape.

B. Procedure:

This experiment was divided into three parts. Part I were the Preliminary

Experiments, Part II were the position vs. time graph matching, and Part III were

the velocity vs. time graph matching.

For Part I Preliminary Experiments:

1. The Motion Detector was connected to a digital (DIG) port of the

interface, and the sensitivity switch was set to Ball/Walk.

2. The Motion Detector was placed in a position where it pointed

towards an open space of at least 4 meters long. It was used small

colored dotted stickers on the floor to mark the 1 m, 2 m, 3 m, and

4m positions from the Motion Detector.

3. The file “01a Graph Matching” was opened from the folder

Physics with Vernier, and the position readings were monitored.

The values were confirmed by moving back and forth.

4. Logger Pro was used to produce a graph of motion by walking

away from the Motion Detector with constant velocity. In order to

do this, it was required to stand about 1 m from the Motion

Detector, while someone else in the group clicked the collect

slowly walk away from the Motion Detector started.

5. The graph was examined, and a prediction of what the position vs.

time graph would look like if the walk’s speed increased was

sketched. The prediction was then checked with the Motion

Detector.

For Part II Position vs Time Graph Matching:

6. The file “01b Graph Matching” was opened, displaying a position

vs. time graph.

7. It was described how to walk, in order to achieve the target graph.

8. The prediction was tested by standing at a chosen starting position,

while a lab partner clicked collect. Once the clicking noise was

heard, it was needed to walk in such a way that the graph of

motion matched the target graph on the computer screen.

9. If the process was not successful, it was repeated several times

until the motion matched the screen’s graph. The graph including

the target graph and the motion was printed.

10. Then, it was clicked on Clear All Data from the Data menu, and

then on Generate Graph Match, to display a new target graph. The

steps 7-9 were then repeated using the new target graph.

11. The Analysis questions for Part II were answered before moving

on to Part III.

For Part III Velocity vs. Time Graph Matching

time graph was displayed.

13. It was described how to walk, in order to achieve the target graph.

14. The prediction was tested by standing at a chosen starting position,

while a lab partner clicked collect. Once the clicking noise was

heard, it was needed to walk in such a way that the graph of

motion matched the target graph on the computer screen. If the

process was not successful, it was repeated several times until the

motion matched the screen’s graph. The graph including the target

graph and the motion was printed.

15. Then, it was clicked on Clear All Data from the Data menu, and

then on Generate Graph Match, to display a new target graph. The

steps 13-14 were then repeated using the new target graph.

16. The stickers were removed from the floor.

17. The Analysis questions for Part II were answered.

IV. DATA

Part I Preliminary Experiments

Graph 1: “01a Graph Matching”

Graph portrays the motion of walking away from the Motion Detector with

constant velocity.

Graph 2: “01a Graph Matching” Faster

Graph portrays the motion of walking away from the Motion Detector with a

faster but still constant velocity.

It is a position vs. time graph, in which portrays the motion of walking in a way to

achieve a target graph with constant velocity.

Graph 4: “01b Graph Matching” Generated Graph Match

It is a position vs. time graph, in which portrays the motion of walking in a way to

achieve a new target graph with constant velocity.

Graph 5: “01d Graph Matching”

It is a velocity vs. time graph, in which portrays the motion of walking in a way to

achieve a target graph with varying acceleration and velocity.

Graph 6: “01d Graph Matching” Generated Graph Match

It is a velocity vs. time graph, in which portrays the motion of walking in a way to

achieve a new target graph with varying acceleration and velocity.

V. ANALYSIS

A. Calculations and Graphs:

The graphs in this experiment had different significances. The red line in

each graph represents the object’s motion, and the blue line represents the target

motion.

Graph 1

It can be seen in the graph that the subject started at approximately

Graph 2

Graph 3

According to the graph analyzed, the subject started

Graph 4
 Graph 5

Graph 6

B. Discussion of Error:

The equipment used in this experiment to measure motion was a Motion

Detector. Motion Detectors are very sensitive to movement and can

measure sound waves all around its surroundings. The room in which the

experiment was performed contained many different objects, including

electronic equipment that caused electromagnetic interference altering

data. The students also had cellphones and other electronics very close to

the motion detector. The data results were also altered by other student’s

movement in the classroom walking behind the work stations.

C. Conclusions:

VI. APPENDICES

PRELIMINARY QUESTIONS

1. Below are four position vs. time graphs labeled (i) through (iv). Identify

which graph corresponds to each of the following situations and explain why

you chose that graph.

a. An object at rest. (ii) No change in position. Linear graph.

b. An object moving in the positive direction with a constant speed. (iv)

Constant velocity, positive slope. Linear graph.

c. An object moving in the negative direction with a constant speed. (i)

Constant velocity, negative slope. Linear Graph.

(iii) Change in position over time. Accelerating in positive direction.

Quadratic function. Parabola.

2. Below are four velocity vs. time graphs labeled (i) through (iv). Identify

which graph corresponds to each of the following situations. Explain why you

chose that graph.

a. An object at rest. (iii) Velocity 0 and constant.

b. An object moving in the positive direction with a constant speed. (iv)

Constant velocity. No slope. Positive direction.

c. An object moving in the negative direction with a constant speed. (ii)

Constant velocity. No slope. Negative direction.

d. An object that is accelerating in the positive direction, starting from rest.

(i) Velocity increasing over time. Positive slope.

ANALYSIS

Part II Position vs. Time Graph Matching

2. Explain the significance of the slope of a position vs. time graph. Include a

discussion of positive and negative slope.

3. What type of motion is occurring when the slope of a position vs. time graph

is zero?

4. What type of motion is occurring when the slope of a position vs. time graph

is constant?

5. What type of motion is occurring when the slope of a position vs. time graph

is changing? Test your answer to this question using the Motion Detector.

Part III Velocity vs. Time Graph Matching

1. Describe how you walked for each of the graphs that you matched.

2. What type of motion is occurring when the slope of a velocity vs. time graph

is zero?

3. What type of motion is occurring when the slope of a velocity vs. time graph

is not zero? Test your answer using the Motion Detector.

VII. REFERENCES

Giancoli, Douglas C. “Describing Motion: Kinematics in One Dimension.” Physics for

Scientists and Engineers With Modern Physics, 4th ed., vol. 1, Pearson Education,

Inc., 2008, pp. 18–50.

“Motion With Graphs.” Introduction, Physics Tutotials,

www.physicstutorials.org/home/mechanics/1d-kinematics/motion-with-graphs.
“What Are Velocity vs. Time Graphs?” Khan Academy, Khan Academy,

www.khanacademy.org/science/physics/one-dimensional-motion/acceleration-

tutorial/a/what-are-velocity-vs-time-graphs.