Back and Forth Motion
Recommended for grades 9–12.
Introduction
Lots of objects go back and forth; that is, they move along a line first in one direction, then move back the other way. An oscillating pendulum or a ball tossed vertically into the air are examples of things that go back and forth. Graphs of the position vs. time and velocity vs. time for such objects share a number of features. In this experiment, you will observe a number of objects that change speed and direction as they go back and forth. Analyzing and comparing graphs of their motion will help you to apply ideas of kinematics more clearly.
In this experiment you will use a Motion Detector to observe the back and forth motion of the following five objects:
- Oscillating pendulum
- Dynamics cart rolling up and down an incline
- Student jumping into the air
- Mass oscillating at the end of a spring
- Ball tossed into the air
Objectives
- Qualitatively analyze the motion of objects that move back and forth.
- Analyze and interpret back and forth motion in kinematics graphs.
- Use kinematic graphs to catalog objects that exhibit similar motion.
Sensors and Equipment
This experiment requires each of the following Vernier sensors and equipment (unless otherwise noted):
Additional Requirements
You may also need an interface and software for data collection. What do I need for data collection?
Download Experiment Preview
The student-version preview includes:
- Step-by-step instructions for computer-based data collection
- List of materials and equipment
Note: The experiment preview of the computer edition does not include essential teacher information, safety tips, or sample data. Instructions for Logger Pro and other software (such as LabQuest App or TI handheld software, where available) are on the CD that accompanies the book. We strongly recommend that you purchase the book before performing experiments.
Standards Correlations
Included in the Lab Book
Vernier lab books include a CD with word-processing files of the student instructions, essential teacher information, suggested answers, sample data and graphs, and more.