Plan the investigation
What students will do
Start with a guided comparison, then plan an investigation, analyze a graph, and check a prediction.
- Compare equal intervals. Measure position and velocity at equal time intervals. Compare changes in velocity with changes in position.
- Design and collect. Choose a fixed acceleration and at least five times. Start with a negative velocity and plan how to collect velocity readings.
- Analyze a graph. Fit a line to velocity versus time. Use its slope and intercept to determine acceleration and initial velocity.
- Explain and predict. Explain the reversal of motion, then predict velocity at an unused time and test your fitted equation.
What students will learn
- Distinguish constant acceleration from constant velocity.
- Interpret slope and intercept on a velocity–time graph.
- Use measured data to test a mathematical model.
Common misconception
Does constant acceleration mean equal distances in equal times?
Students compare velocity changes and displacements to distinguish these two patterns.