Objectives

• Collect distance, velocity, and acceleration data as a ball travels straight up and down.
• Analyze the distance vs. time, velocity vs. time, and acceleration vs. time graphs.
• Determine the best fit equations for the distance vs. time and velocity vs. time graphs.
• Determine the mean acceleration from the acceleration vs. time graph.

Introduction

When a juggler tosses a ball straight upward, the ball slows down until it reaches the top of its path. The ball then speeds up on its way back down. A graph of its velocity vs. time would show these changes. Is there a mathematical pattern to the changes in velocity? What is the accompanying pattern to the distance vs. time graph? What would the acceleration vs. time graph look like?

In this experiment, you will use a Motion Detector to collect distance, velocity, and acceleration data for a ball thrown straight upward. Analysis of the graphs of this motion will answer the questions asked above.

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