One-Dimensional Kinematics

•  Take the cursor and highlight a time interval of the a_x(t) plot when the cart was in motion by clicking on the curve at an integral time, e.g. 2 s, and dragging the cursor to another integral time, e.g. 6 s.  Use the Statistics function, to the right of the Tangent function in the upper toolbar, to find the mean value of the acceleration in your chosen time interval.  Copy and paste this plot into the appropriate space in your worksheet, making sure that the mean value of the acceleration and the data are readable.

•  Highlight the same time interval of the v_x(t) plot as you did for the a_x(t) plot.  Use the Linear Fit function of the button labeled “R=” on the upper toolbar to find the slope of the velocity curve.  The slope should be close to the value you got above for the mean value of the acceleration.  Copy and paste this plot into the appropriate space in your worksheet, making sure that the value of the slope and the data are readable.

•  Return to the x(t) graph. Select the same time interval and apply the Curve Fit function of the button labeled “f(X)=”, to the right of the Linear Fit button on the upper toolbar.  The Curve Fit pop-up window will appear.  Select Quadratic General Equation, then Try Fit, then OK. The variable A of x=At²+Bt+C should be approximately equal to one-half the mean value of the acceleration from the a_x(t) plot.  Copy and paste this plot into the appropriate place in Question 4 of the worksheet, making sure that the value of A and the data are readable.

•  Summarize your numerical results in Question 5 of the worksheet.

•  Each partner should do Question 6 individually, in which you state in your own words the graphical and mathematical relationships among the kinematical variables.  Make sure to change the order of your name and your partner's name at the top of the worksheet for your respective copies.  Email them to yourselves such that you have a record of your work in case of any problems with submission for grading.  To submit them, each student must log on to the section's myWPI site, select Lab Submissions in the left-hand menu, click on the appropriate link, and attach the local file (your worksheet).  Internet Explorer is the most reliable means of submission.