Lab 2: Drag Racing

Name: ______________________________

Date: ____________________

Group Members: _______________________

_______________________

Objectives

· Analyze the relationship between velocity and acceleration

· Calculate an object’s average acceleration

· Collect data and interpret it

· Create and analyze a graph showing acceleration

A. Pre lab Questions

1. What is acceleration?

2. How does it relate to velocity?

B. Group Lab 1: Gone in 60 Seconds

You will work in pairs to calculate an object’s acceleration. We will watch a clip from the movie. Pay close attention to what is happening in the scene. Write down your observations.

1. Observations

2. In pairs. Based on the information available in the scene, work with your partner to write a procedure to determine the acceleration.

Procedure

C. Class Discussion. As a class we will decide on standard procedures to determine the acceleration.

Procedure

D. Data Collection

We will watch the clip. Record the data for column 1 and 2. Be sure to note the units.

Time

Velocity (mph)

Velocity (m/s)

Acceleration

E. Group Lab 2: Fast and Furious

You will use the procedures from Section C.

Observations

F. Data Collection

We will watch the clip. Record the data for column 1 and 2. Be sure to note the units.

Color of Car: __________________

Time

Velocity (mph)

Velocity (m/s)

Acceleration

F. Calculation

1. In column 3 in Section D and F, write down the velocity in meters per second. To convert velocity from miles per hour to meters per second:

Velocity (miles/hour) X 1/3600 (hour/seconds) X 1609 (meters/miles) = Velocity (meters/second)

2. Look in your book to find the formula for acceleration. Record this calculation in column 4.

Analyzing the Results

Graph velocity on the y-axis and time on the x-axis

Velocity (meters/second)

Time (Seconds)

2. Summarize your results in a paragraph.