Bouncing Carts

The emphasis of this unit is to be able to qualitatively describe the motion of an object.

In this activity you will be describing the motion of a bouncing cart (same motion as a bouncing ball or crashing car).

A. Written Description of Motion

Using the terms to the right (the same terms used in the Bag o'Cars), describe the motion of the cart during one complete bounce.

You will want to mark different points on the ramp so that you can describe them more accurately.

B. Motion Maps

Using a series of motion maps, diagram the motion of the cart for a minimum of three bounces. Be sure to include the relative size of the arrows to represent the velocity of the cart.

C. Interpretation of Graphs

Position-Time Graph

Mark on the Position-Time graph, each time the cart comes to a stop. How did you identify these points on the graph?

Describe the shape of the position-time graph during the cart’s ascent and descent. How does this shape change when the cart reaches its maximum height?

How can you determine the maximum height the cart reaches from the position-time graph? What does this point on the graph represent in terms of the cart’s motion?

Compare the slope of the position-time graph during the cart's upward and downward motion. What does the slope indicate about the cart's velocity?

Velocity-Time Graph

Mark on the velocity vs. time graph, each time the cart changes direction. How do these point relate to the points marked on the Position vs Time Graph?

Describe what is happening between lines D and F. Compare the speed of the cart at time D and time F. Explain why they might be different.

What does the slope of the velocity-time graph tell you about the cart's acceleration? How does the slope change during the cart's ascent, descent, and at the moment of impact?

Explain how you can identify when the cart changes direction using the velocity-time graph. What does the graph look like at the moment the cart hits the barrier?

Describe how the velocity-time graph helps you determine when the cart reaches its maximum height. What is the velocity of the cart at this point?

Acceleration-Time Graph

What does the acceleration-time graph look like during the entire motion of the car? How does it change when the cart is in contact with the barrier compared to when it is in the coasting on the ramp?

If the cart experiences constant acceleration due to gravity, what should the acceleration-time graph look like? Explain any deviations from this constant value you observe during the experiment.

How can you use the acceleration-time graph to identify when the cart is accelerating, decelerating, or moving at constant speed? Provide examples from the graph that indicate each type of motion.

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