Re: [Phys-L] motion lab

[jbellina <inquirybellina@comcast.net>]

Do you solve this problems using algebra, or by comparing graphs.  You can do some interesting analysis by looking at a straight line graph and then translating it horizontally or vertically.  The first thing is to develop an interpretation of the motion represented by the translated graph.  In one case the person starts at an earlier or later time, and in the other, the object starts somewhere other than the origin.  Then you use these to graphically answer questions like if buggy A goes faster than buggy B, where most Buggy B start the race so it ends in a tie.
Having done it graphically, you can attack it symbolically.

best,

joe

On Sep 19, 2013, at 7:49 PM, Paul Lulai wrote:

> Our buggies use 2 C cell batteries.  We also replace one c-cell battery with a slug so they run on 1 c battery.
> After kids have characterized their buggies we run a challenge with varying scenarios.  Basically....
> Car 1 starts at this position going that way, car 2 is trying to catch car 1 from behind. Determine where they will meet.
> Scenario 2:
> Car 1 starts .... car 2 is going to cut off car 1, coming from the other direction like a cop chase scene road block.  At what point will the two cars meet (1 going +x, the other going in -x direction).
> Have a good one.
> Paul.
>
>
>
>
> ...::. Sent from a touch screen. .::...
>
>
>
> -------- Original message --------
> From: Aburr@aol.com
> Date: 09/19/2013 6:31 PM (GMT-06:00)
> To: Phys-L@Phys-L.org
> Subject: Re: [Phys-L] motion lab
>
>
> definitely!! Who cares about the speed? But measurement is at the core of
> physics.
>
> To add interest
> Run a speed competition.
> How does an incline (up or down) plane affect the speed?
> Battery powered? How does the state of charge affect the speed
> If you want statistics you can go into
>     average
>     standard deviation
>     Does one car really run faster than another?
>
> Alex. F. Burr
>
>
> In a message dated 9/19/2013 2:19:18 P.M. Mountain Daylight Time,
> Anthony_Lapinski@pds.org writes:
>
> Is it  more about measuring than
> finding the actual  speed?
>
>
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Joseph J. Bellina, Jr. Ph.D.
Emeritus Professor of Physics
Co-Director
Northern Indiana Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Collaborative
574-276-8294
inquirybellina@comcast.net