Physics

Vandebilt Catholic High School

W. Dupre

Assignment: Motion Graphs - Position vs. Time Graphs

Part A:

Below are shown the position versus time graphs for three different objects. Assume that all three objects begin their motion at t = 0 seconds. Answer the following questions about the motion of the objects. In some cases, you will be asked to explain your answers.

1. How far is object C from the origin at t = 3 seconds ?
2. Which object takes the least time to reach a position 4 meters from the origin ?
3. Which object is farthest from the origin at t = 2 seconds ?
4. Is there an object that eventually returns to the origin and, if so, when does this occur ?
5. What is the total distance traveled by each of the three objects during the full 5 second interval ? Explain.
6. Which object has the largest displacement (change in position) between t = 1 and t = 3 seconds ? Explain.
7. Which object has the largest displacement after the full 5 seconds ? Explain.
8. Which of the objects has the largest speed during its motion ?
9. Which object has the greatest velocity during its motion ? Is this the same as your answer to question number 8 ? Explain.
10. Is any of the objects stationary during part of its motion ? Which one, and for how long is it stationary ?
11. What is the average speed of Object C during its motion ?
12. What is the average velocity of object C during its motion ?

Part B:

Pick from the following graphs the one which best fits the motion described in the sentences below.

1. A marble is rolled at constant speed along a horizontal surface toward the origin. The marble is released at a distance of 1 meter away from the origin.
2. A block sits at rest on a table 1 meter above the floor. Take the origin to be the level of the floor.
3. A ball is dropped from a height of 2 meters above the floor. Take the origin to be the point from which the ball is released.
4. A ball is rolled along a horizontal surface. The ball strikes a wall and rebounds toward the origin.
5. A car is parked on a steep hill.
6. A coin is tossed up into the air, and returns to its original position in your hand.
7. You run away from the starting line in a race at a constant rate of speed.
8. A running back runs toward the end zone at a constant rate of speed.
9. A dog runs toward his owner, slowly at first, but speeding up as he runs.
10. The dog mentioned in the above example jumps off of a retaining wall falls down toward the level of the street below. Take the level of the street to be the origin.