Graphical Problem Solving ______
Name Per
So you want to be a world class graphing problem solver? You just want to pass Advanced Physics? Not to worry! Try following these steps.
Step 1: Set up the axis for your three graphs one over the other with x vs t at the top,
v vs t in the middle, and a vs t on the bottom.
Step 2: Start with the graph that you have the most information about. Plot this graph first.
Step 3: It is always easier to go down than up, so examine the slope of your starting graph and plot this slope on the graph below.
Step 4: Look at the area under the curve of your starting graph, and plot this area on the graph above.
Now you try it!
1. At time t = 0, and at position x = 0, you are stopped at a red light in your car. After waiting 3.0 seconds for a light change, you accelerate forward gaining 4.0 m/s of speed every second for 5.0 seconds. Next you coast at constant velocity for the next 5.0 seconds. Finally you apply the brakes, and experience an acceleration of -10 m/s2 until you come to rest. Fill in the three motion graphs.
3. Two trains are headed toward each other on collision course on a single, straight track. Each train has a constant speed of 30 mph. When the trains are 60 miles apart a deranged bird starts flying with a constant speed of 60 mph from the front of one train directly toward the other train. When the bird reaches the front of the other train it turns around instantly and flies directly back toward the first train and so on. Assume that the bird has negligible size, always flies with the same constant speed, and that the turnaround time is vanishingly small.
A) Sketch a graph of the motion (x versus t) of both trains and the bird.
B) How many trips can the bird make from one train to the other before getting crushed?
C) What is the total distance the bird travels?
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