Sunday, September 22, 2013

CONSTANT VELOCITY AND CONSTANT ACCELERATION LAB

What was the purpose of this lab?
I believe the purpose of this lab was to solidify our understanding of constant velocity and constant acceleration by creating a real life situation to study.  By physically watching the ball roll and sometimes accelerate, our group was able to take the diagrams and vocab we've been studying and see how it plays out in life (the purpose of our physics class).  The lab also introduced us to recording information as well as graphing it and seeing how results look on a linear graph and how one can use this graph, algebraically, for later predictions.

Distinguish between constant velocity and constant acceleration
Constant velocity is when an object is moving at the same speed and same direction without change, where as constant acceleration is when an object keeps accelerating the same distance each second.  Therefore it isn't keeping a constant velocity, but it's speed is changing constantly.

Describe in your own words how you conducted this lab:
In this lab, we began with a flat table (without any elevation of any kind) and a ball.  Using a metronome, we rolled the ball and used chalk to mark the distance the ball traveled per second (or tick from the metronome).  Then, we elevated one side of the table using two books.  Using the same method, we made similar marks as the ball rolled more quickly down the table.

What did you find out on how constant velocity and constant acceleration compare with each other?
I found out that although both are constant, an object with constant acceleration is changing speed unlike one with a constant velocity.


What formulas did you use?
For constant velocity:  V = DT
For constant acceleration:  A=1/2 DT^2

How do the lines in a graph for constant acceleration and constant velocity compare?
Both graphs have similarly graphed points, starting at the same point with a positive incline.  However, the graph for constant acceleration is a curved line unlike the constant velocity graph which is straight.

How did you use the graph you created and the equation of the line to support your data?
We were able to find the slope of the lines of our graphs in order to predict distance and time for different equations

What were 3 important things you learned from this lab that you will use in future labs and problems?
- Before you begin a lab, be sure to remember the correct definitions of your vocab words, especially if they are similar
-If an answer seems wrong, check over your work
-Maintain good communication with all members of your group, and make sure everyone understands all the steps your taking

1 comment:

  1. I like the new theme to your blog- much more eye-catching and interesting! Our answers were pretty similar- I guess the questions were specific enough so that the possible answers didn't vary that much. Something that you did differently was putting the whole question before each answer- good idea! It helps explain the context of the situation. In terms of improvement, I noticed your equation for acceleration was a bit off; it should be D=1/2at^2. Also, don't forget to include the how fast equation, v=at. Good job, and remember to post the next resource! It should be on acceleration.

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