Walk This Way - Definition of Rate
Recommended for grades 9–12.
Introduction
A rate is defined as some quantity divided by a time interval. For walking, we would define the rate of walking (commonly called speed, if we just consider walking in one direction) as the ratio of the distance walked divided by the time interval taken to do the walking.
From this definition you can also work backward. If you know the rate, or speed, of walking, as well as the time interval walked, you can find the distance traveled using
Strictly, the rate defined above is the average rate, so for non-constant speeds we will need to find the average speed for use with the formula.
A Motion Detector will give you the speed of a walker versus time. (The Motion Detector will actually give you velocity versus time, but for motion away from the detector speed and velocity are the same.) The product of rate and time interval is the area under the curve of the speed versus time graph.
Objectives
- Measure distance and velocity versus time information for a walker.
- Compute the area under the velocity versus time graph, with units.
- Compare that area to the distance traveled by the walker.
Sensors and Equipment
This activity 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
See all standards correlations for Real-World Math with Vernier »
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.