2B: Acceleration

What is the difference between acceleration and velocity?
Acceleration is one of the most slippery concepts in understanding motion. Acceleration describes the rate at which velocity changes. This is a different quantity from velocity itself, which is the rate at which position changes.
Part 1: Modeling accelerated motion

How to use the interactive simulation of accelerated motion
  1. The interactive model shows position and velocity versus time graphs. Red circles on the position versus time graph are “targets.” Your goal is to adjust initial velocity (v0) and acceleration (a) so the curve hits both targets.
  2. [Run] starts the simulation. [Stop] stops it without changing values. [Clear] resets all variables to zero. [Reset] resets all variables and sets new targets.
  3. Enter values in the white boxes. The top score of 100 is achieved by hitting the center of each target.
  1. Describe the meaning of v0 and a.
  2. How would the ability to set the initial position (x0) effect the difficultly of getting a perfect score?
In this interactive simulation, you will create a model for the motion of the ErgoBot by adjusting the values of the initial velocity and acceleration. The goal is to cause the ErgoBot's motion to pass through the target circles on the position vs. time graph.
Part 2: A multi-step model

How to use the advanced interactive simulation of accelerated motion
  1. The second model allows you to change the acceleration five seconds into the motion, halfway through.
  2. In this model, unlike the first, you can set the starting position (x0) in addition to the initial velocity.
  3. Try to hit the centers of the three red target circles.
  1. Why can you not set the position and velocity when the cart begins the second half of its motion?
  2. How would not being able to set the initial position, like in the first model, effect the difficulty of getting a perfect score?
In this interactive simulation, you will create a model for the motion of the ErgoBot by adjusting the values of the initial velocity, initial position, and two periods of acceleration. The goal is to cause the ErgoBot's motion to pass through the target circles on the position vs. time graph.


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