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Faculty / Physics/Unit 3

Unit 3: Acceleration (video link)

In unit 3 of physics we will look at how the change in velocity effects the acceleration of an object.  We will study both the change of speed and direction of object physically and graphically.  We will then explore the relationship between gravity and acceleration.  Students will again look at the implications of both speed and direction on this natural phenomenon.

Notes, Worksheets, Labs, Weblinks

Glencoe book: Physics: Principles and Problems
Suggested reading:  Chapter 3 pages 56-74.  This reading explains change in velocity in both othe x and the y directions.  Included are positions vs time, velocity vs time, acceleration vs time and associated calculations.
Worksheets Labs Resources
Linear vs. Rotation Equation sheet
 

The Physics Classroom Online Tutorial:


Describing Motion with Words
Acceleration

Describing Motion with Position vs. Time Graphs
  1. The Meaning of Shape for a p-t Graph
  2. Meaning of Slope for a p-t Graph
  3. Determining the Slope on a p-t Graph
 
 Describing Motion with Velocity vs. Time Graphs
  1. Meaning of Shape for a v-t Graph
  2. Meaning of Slope for a v-t Graph
  3. Relating the Shape to the Motion
  4. Determining the Slope on a v-t Graph
  5. Determining the Area on a v-t Graph
Describing Motion with Words
  1. Kinematic Equations
  2. Kinematic Equations and Problem-Solving
  3. Kinematic Equations and Free Fall
  4. Sample Problems and Solutions
  5. Kinematic Equations and Graphs
Physics Interactives: Interactives are activites that we will use to "quiz" your understanding of a comcept.  Some will be assigned and some are here for practice.

Name That Motion

The Name That Motion Interactive consists of a collection of 11 challenges. Each challenge presents learners with an animated motion of a car. After viewing the motion, one must match the motion to the appropriate verbal description. Feedback is immediate and mulitple attempts to get the description correct are allowed.    
Launch Interactive   This Interactive is self-supporting; there is no suggested exercise. However, a page with the 11 verbal descriptions can be printed. View Verbal Descriptions.

Shockwave Studio Online Worksheet:  
Name That Motion

Refine your understanding of the language of kinematics as you match 11 verbal descriptions of motion to 11 on-screen animations. Once you've completed the matching process, check your answers and receive immediate feedback. Answers can be revised until you have perfected your understanding.

View: Animation || Activity Sheet

Graph That Motion

The Graph That Motion Interactive consists of a collection of 12 challenges. Each challenge presents learners with an animated motion of a car. After viewing the motion, one must match the motion to the corresponding position-time or velocity-time graph. Feedback is immediate and mulitple attempts to get the matching graph correct are allowed.    Launch Interactive
This Interactive is self-supporting; there is no suggested exercise. However, a page with the 12 graphs can be printed. View Graphs.

Shockwave Studio Online Worksheet:   Graph That Motion

Refine your understanding of the graphical descriptions of motion as you match 11 position-time and velocity-time graphs to 11 on-screen animations. Once you've completed the matching process, check your answers and receive immediate feedback. Answers can be revised until you have perfected your understanding.

View: Animation || Activity 

Graphs and Ramps
This Interactive presents learners with the position-time or velocity-time graphs for numerous types of motion. Learners must then construct a ramp along which a ball will roll in order to match the given graph. As the ball rolls along the ramp, the motion is plotted in real time, allowing the learner to make adjustments to the ramp in order to successfully complete each challenge.