Graphing Motions

i. How was this lab conducted?
We firstly set up a motion sensor on a table facing an aisle.  Next, we would either stand still or walk back and forth to conduct each test.  Also we used a meter stick to measure how far we walked and to show us the position we started at or ended at.
ii. You'll see graphs representing our data below and we performed many tests, about 12 tests.  Each one of us would perform a test and then compare between fast or slow or back and forth.  You'll see most of our results below.
1.  Describe the difference between the two lines on your graph made in Steps 4 and 5. Explain why the lines are different.
The line for step 4 had more of a smaller slope.  It was a slowly increased the distance over time, while the one with the faster movement, shot up at a quicker pace(no representation).

 2.  How would the graph change if you walked toward the Motion Detector rather than away from it? Test your answer.
After we tested, walking towards, the graph sloped downward, which is the opposite as if you walked backwards.
3.  What did you have to do to match the graph you were given in Step 7?
We stood still, then walked backwards fast, stopped, and slowly walked forward once again.

 My attempt

4.  Describe the difference between the two lines on the graph made in Steps 10 and 11. Explain why the lines are different.
The second line(when he moved faster) stayed at a higher point with greater spikes then the first line because he covered more distance and stayed at a further distance.

First Try

 5. What is the definition of velocity?
Velocity is the speed of something in a given direction.
6. What did you have to do to match the graph you were given in Step 13? How well does your graph match the given graph?
You needed to move at a constant speed.  Our graph was either too low or very high on the graph, and never in the middle.

7. Describe the motion needed to make this graph:

Position v. Time graph: 1. You need to move away from the sensor, 2. stand still, 3. move towards the sensor again.
Velocity v. Time graph: 1. You need to inch backward, 2. keep a slow constant speed, 3. and finally stand still.
8. How does the acceleration vs. time graph differ from the other two graphs?
The acceleration scaled high and low(up and down) in an instant as we started moving.

9.  On your velocity vs. time graph, label the acceleration and deceleration portions.

It accelerated at the one second mark and decelerated at around 1.3 seconds, and the rest was a small increase after a small decrease continuing that pattern.

10.  On your acceleration vs. time graph, label the acceleration and deceleration portions.

It accelerated at about .8 seconds then decelerated at about .9 seconds.  It then accelerated again at the one second mark and dropped down (decelerated) at about 1.2 seconds.

11. What is acceleration?

Acceleration is the increase in the rate or speed of something.