GENERAL PHYSICS 1:

October 29, 2021

Graphical Analysis and Interpretation of Motion

Concepts:
 The slope of a position-time graph gives the magnitude of velocity.
 The slope of a velocity-time graph gives the acceleration of the body.
Purpose: in this activity you will
1. infer the motion of objects given a position-time or a velocity-time graph.
2. construct a velocity-time graph using data derived from a given position-time graph.

Procedure:
1. Study carefully the different graphs in Fig. 4.4 (h-o) and 4.4 (p-u) which represent different types of
motion.
2. Using the examples discussed in online class and the interpretations of the graphs in Fig. 4.4 h-o and
Fig. p-u, answer the following questions on separate sheets of paper.

A.
Fig.
4.4 v

(above) shows the position-time graph for an object moving in a straight line in the east-west direction.
(Displacements toward east is positive and toward west is negative.)

1. Where is the object at t= 5 s?

2. Give the total distance and net displacement.

B. From the information on the position-time graph in figure 4.4v, calculate the average velocity of
the object during the time interval that was in motion. Construct the graph of the average velocity against
time. Use a separate sheet of graphing paper.
Check your work by using the following questions:
a. Is every section of the position-time graph represented in the velocity-time graph?
b. At what time/s is the object stationary? Is/Are these/this indicated in the graph?
c. At what time/s is the object in actual motion?
Guide Questions:

1. Based on the average velocity-time graph,

a. When does the object have zero acceleration but is moving?
b. when does it have a zero acceleration but is moving?
c. when does it possess a non-zero acceleration?
2. Which of the following graphs in Figure 4.4 h-o could be used to
a. illustrates the acceleration of the object in the problem at section b, d, f and h?
b. shows the acceleration at section a? at Section c?
c. explains the actual acceleration at Section g? Section i?

Reflection: What important insights have you gained in doing the activity?
 PERFORMANCE TASK: WATER ROCKET CHALLENGE

 TASK: Design and build your water bottle rocket that flies straight and in the desired
direction based on the given checklist.

SCORE CHECKLIST POINTS

Rocket Construction:
- All parts are correctly positioned and firmly attached. 10
Rocket Design 15
- Rocket has an aerodynamics design with proper alignment and no
waste materials. Minimalist but effective.
Rocket Function
- Rocket launches straight, great stability, slight or no spin, and 15
- /or loss of parts.
Craftmanship 10
- The rocket shows that the creator took great pride in his/her work.
The design and construction took carefully planned. The item is
neat and free of flaws
Report 10
- Printed on a long bond paper and includes all required parts.
- All materials used in construction are listed.
- Clear accurate photos are included and are neatly and clearly
labeled.
- Report illustrates an accurate and thorough understanding of
scientific concepts underlying the challenge.
RESULTS
Altitude: __________
Speed: ___________

Reflection:
What problem did you experience (if any) creating a stable design? Provide evidence from
your observations.
Provide at least two (2) design changes that you would make to achieve a greater altitude.
NOTE: Identify your own working preference on this Performance Task, on your own, with a partner,
or trio. You can choose your partner/s from STEM DEFG. The closer the proximity of your residence
with your partners the better.
PROBLEM SET: Free-Falling/Graphical Analysis

1. A bullet is fired from a gun vertically upward with a muzzle velocity of 500 m/s.
a. How high is the highest point reached?
b. How long does it take the bullet to reach the ground?
2. A marble drops from a building and hits the ground in 3.5 s.
a. how high is the building?
b. With what velocity will it strike the ground?
3. A stone is thrown vertically upward with a velocity of 49 m/s.
a. How high will it travel before it starts to fall?
b. How many seconds will it take the stone to reach the highest point?
4. How high does a bullet travel when it is fired vertically and strikes the ground in exactly 9s? What is its
initial velocity?

5. Use the displacement vs time graph to answer the questions from A to K.

A. What is the displacement of the car at 3 seconds? _______________________

B. How far did the car travel during the first 9 seconds? ____________________
C. What is the speed of the car at 0.5 seconds? ___________________________
D. When is the car at rest? _________________________
E. During what time periods is the car heading back to the starting point? _________________
F. What is the average speed of the car between 0 to 4 seconds? ________________________
G. What is the total distance the car drove? ______________________________
H. During what time interval is the car going the fastest? __________________________
I. What is the average speed of the car from 0 to 10 seconds? _________________________
J. What is the average velocity of the car from 0 to 10 seconds? _______________________
k. Describe how you would move in front a motion detector to create a velocity vs time graph of the
same shape.
6.

A. What is the magnitude of the car’s acceleration during the time period shown?
B. How far does the car travel during this time period?