Activity Running Wolf

This is a group work, work with your partner. See the list below
Group 1,
Must Read:

On the front of this worksheet, you’ll see a data table. This data table shows the time and the distance of
the wolf. The speed calculated, however, is not calculated as average speed. The speed calculated is
instantaneous speed.

There has been much confusion on this because so many students and teachers are used to calculating
average speed. As you know, average speed is taking a total distance divided by total time. However, in
this worksheet, you are not calculating the average speed.

In this data table, you are taking each change in distance divided by each change in time … giving you the
speed of the wolf at each second (or its instantaneous speed.)

For better understanding of this concept, please watch the following video:

WHAT IS INSTANTANEOUS SPEED?

https://www.khanacademy.org/science/physics/one-dimensional-motion/displacement-velocity-
time/v/instantaneous-speed-and-velocity
Comparing Data and Graph The Running Wolf

A wolf sees a rabbit and goes for its prey. Calculate the speed of the wolf, using the table below, and then
illustrate its motions using the graphs to the right Do not forget to label your graphs and show correct units

Time(s) Distance(m) Speed (m/s)

0 0 0
1 5
2 15
3 30
4 50
5 70
6 75
7 75
8 70
9 60
10 40

1. Did the wolf ever run at a constant speed? Explain your answer.

2. Was the wolf ever at rest? If yes, then how do you know?

3. GRAPHING INSTRUCTIONS: Label the X-axis (For Time )and the Y-axis (For Distance ) with
name and unit of measurement. Draw the graph using Microsoft Excel or using ruler if u wish
a. Draw Distance against time graph from data on the table above (Put your Speed against
Time gragh below)
 b. From the Distance/Time Graph, State the parts of the graph where the wolf was:

 Speeding Up
 Slowing Down
 Constant Speed
 Stationary

4. GRAPHING INSTRUCTIONS: Label the X-axis (For Time )and the Y-axis (For Speed ) with name
and unit of measurement. Draw the graph using Microsoft Excel or using ruler if u wish
a. Draw Speed against time graph from data on the table above (Put your Speed against
Time gragh below)
b. From the Speed/Time Graph, State the parts of the graph where the wolf was:

•Speeding Up
•Slowing Down
•Constant Speed
•Stationary