Exploration 2.4: Set the x(t) of a Monster Truck

x = + *t  + 0.5**t2

check to see multiple graphs superimposed

Please wait for the animation to completely load.

By now you have seen the equation x = x0+ v0*t  + 0.5*a*t2.  Perhaps you have even derived it for yourself.  But what does it really mean for the motion of objects?  Restart.

The animation allows you to explore all three terms in the equation: the initial position by changing x0 from -50 cm to 50 cm, the velocity term by changing v0 from -15 cm/s to 15 cm/s, and the acceleration term by changing a from -5 cm/s2 to 5 cm/s2.

Use the animation to guide your answers to the following questions (position is given in centimeters and time is given in seconds). 

  1. How does changing the initial position affect the position vs. time graph?
  2. How does changing the initial position affect the velocity vs. time graph?
  3. How does changing the initial velocity affect the velocity vs. time graph?
  4. How does a positive initial velocity vs. a negative initial velocity affect the velocity vs. time graph?

When you get a good-looking graph, right-click on it to clone the graph and resize it for a better view.

 

 

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