About

Topics

Kinematics
Speed, velocity and acceleration
Graphical analysis of motion
Free-fall
Effect of air resistance

Description

This simulation has a drop-down menu for exploration of
(i) at rest  use of progressive mathematical model is encouraged Y = 0 for example
(ii) moving with uniform velocity, use of progressive mathematical model is encouraged
(iii) moving with non-uniform velocity (eg, constant acceleration) use of progressive mathematical model is encouraged
When only the  velocity-time graph check-box is selected, it can be explored for the following cases too.
(i) at rest 
(ii) moving with uniform velocity (eg, no acceleration) model of the form Y = Y0+u*t 
(iii) moving with uniform acceleration (eg, constant acceleration = 9.81 m/s^2) model of the form Y = Y0+u*t+0.5*g*t 
(iv) moving with non-uniform acceleration (eg, with small ot large drag force acting thus acceleration changes).
The default acceleration is set at-9.81 m/s^2 which is near to the Earth is constant and is approximately 10 m/s 2.
Lastly, by  selecting the 3 options of
"free fall"
"free_fall_with_small_air_resistance"
"free_fall_with_large_air_resistance"
It can provide the experience and evidences for describing the motion of bodies with constant weight falling with (large and small) or without air resistance, including reference to terminal velocity, a constant velocity as a result of balanced forces of weight of mass and the drag force giving rise to zero acceleration.

Sample Learning Goals

 

Translations

Code	Language		Translator	Run

Credits

weelookang@gmail.com; Francisco Esquembre; Flix J. Garca

Overview:

This document reviews a JavaScript simulation applet designed to help students understand kinematics, particularly motion in the Y-direction (vertical). The simulation focuses on concepts of speed, velocity, acceleration, graphical analysis of motion, and free-fall, including the effects of air resistance. It is intended for educational use, allowing students to explore different scenarios and visualize kinematic principles.

Key Themes and Ideas:

• Kinematics Simulation: The core purpose is to provide an interactive simulation for studying kinematics, specifically motion in the vertical (Y) direction. The simulator provides a virtual "car" whose motion can be manipulated.
• Exploration of Motion Types: The simulation allows exploration of different types of motion:
• At rest
• Uniform velocity
• Non-uniform velocity (constant and changing acceleration)
• Graphical Analysis: A key focus is on using displacement-time and velocity-time graphs to analyze motion. The simulation allows users to:
• "plot and interpret a displacement-time graph and a velocity-time graph"
• "deduce from the shape of a displacement-time graph when a body is: (i) at rest (ii) moving with uniform velocity (iii) moving with non-uniform velocity"
• "deduce from the shape of a velocity-time graph when a body is: (i) at rest (ii) moving with uniform velocity (iii) moving with uniform acceleration (iv) moving with non-uniform acceleration"
• Free-Fall and Air Resistance: A significant component of the simulation involves the study of free-fall, both with and without air resistance. This includes the concept of terminal velocity. The simulation provides options for "free fall", "free_fall_with_small_air_resistance", and "free_fall_with_large_air_resistance" to illustrate these concepts.
• Mathematical Modeling: The simulation encourages the use of progressive mathematical models to describe the motion. For example, motion with uniform velocity can be modeled as Y = Y0 + u*t and motion with constant acceleration can be modeled as Y = Y0 + u*t + 0.5*g*t.
• Learning Goals: The simulation is aligned with specific learning goals related to understanding and interpreting kinematic graphs and describing motion under different conditions. For example, students should be able to "state that the acceleration of free fall for a body near to the Earth is constant and is approximately 10 m/s 2" and "describe the motion of bodies with constant weight falling with or without air resistance, including reference to terminal velocity".
• Interactive Features: The simulation provides interactive controls to adjust acceleration and velocity, along with different viewing options (World and Position View, World and Velocity View, World and Acceleration View).

Key Facts:

• Default Acceleration: The default acceleration in the simulation is set to -9.81 m/s², which is near the Earth's gravitational acceleration.
• Accessibility: The simulation is implemented as a JavaScript applet (HTML5), making it accessible through web browsers.
• Embeddable: The simulation can be embedded in webpages using an iframe: <iframe width="100%" height="100%" src="https://iwant2study.org/lookangejss/02_newtonianmechanics_2kinematics/ejss_model_kinematicscarfromfreefall01/kinematicscarfromfreefall01_Simulation.xhtml " frameborder="0"></iframe>

Quotes:

• "This simulation has a drop-down menu for exploration of (i) at rest use of progressive mathematical model is encouraged Y = 0 for example (ii) moving with uniform velocity, use of progressive mathematical model is encouraged (iii) moving with non-uniform velocity (eg, constant acceleration) use of progressive mathematical model is encouraged"
• "Lastly, by selecting the 3 options of 'free fall' 'free_fall_with_small_air_resistance' 'free_fall_with_large_air_resistance' It can provide the experience and evidences for describing the motion of bodies with constant weight falling with (large and small) or without air resistance, including reference to terminal velocity..."
• "(i) state that the acceleration of free fall for a body near to the Earth is constant and is approximately 10 m/s 2"

Conclusion:

The Kinematics Car Y Direction Simulator is a valuable educational tool for visualizing and understanding kinematic concepts, especially those related to motion in a vertical direction, free-fall, and the effect of air resistance. Its interactive features and graphical representations can aid students in developing a deeper understanding of these principles. The simulator's accessibility and embeddability further enhance its utility in educational settings.

 

Kinematics Car Y Direction Simulator Study Guide

I. Key Concepts

• Kinematics: The study of motion without considering its causes (i.e., forces). Deals with displacement, velocity, acceleration, and time.
• Displacement: The change in position of an object. It is a vector quantity (magnitude and direction).
• Velocity: The rate of change of displacement with respect to time. It is a vector quantity.
• Uniform Velocity: Constant velocity, meaning the object moves in a straight line at a constant speed.
• Non-Uniform Velocity: Velocity that changes with time, either in magnitude (speed) or direction (or both).
• Acceleration: The rate of change of velocity with respect to time. It is a vector quantity.
• Uniform Acceleration: Constant acceleration, meaning the velocity changes at a constant rate.
• Non-Uniform Acceleration: Acceleration that changes with time.
• Free Fall: Motion under the influence of gravity only, neglecting air resistance. In this case, the acceleration is constant and approximately equal to 9.81 m/s² (or often rounded to 10 m/s²) near the Earth's surface.
• Air Resistance (Drag Force): A force that opposes the motion of an object through the air. Its magnitude depends on factors such as the object's shape, size, and speed.
• Terminal Velocity: The constant speed that a freely falling object eventually reaches when the force of air resistance equals the force of gravity. At this point, the net force is zero, and the acceleration is zero.
• Displacement-Time Graph: A graph that plots the displacement of an object against time. The slope of the graph represents the velocity.
• Velocity-Time Graph: A graph that plots the velocity of an object against time. The slope of the graph represents the acceleration, and the area under the graph represents the displacement.

II. Simulation Features and Usage

• The simulation allows you to explore different types of motion: at rest, uniform velocity, non-uniform velocity (constant acceleration), and non-uniform velocity (variable acceleration due to air resistance).
• You can control the initial velocity and acceleration of the car using sliders or by dragging arrows/boxes in the world view.
• The simulation provides options to visualize:
• World and Position View
• World and Velocity View
• World and Acceleration View
• The simulation includes pre-set scenarios for free fall: without air resistance, with small air resistance, and with large air resistance.

III. Learning Goals

• Understand and interpret displacement-time and velocity-time graphs.
• Relate the shape of a displacement-time graph to different types of motion (at rest, uniform velocity, non-uniform velocity).
• Relate the shape of a velocity-time graph to different types of motion (at rest, uniform velocity, uniform acceleration, non-uniform acceleration).
• Know the value of acceleration due to gravity near the Earth's surface (approximately 10 m/s²).
• Describe the motion of bodies falling with and without air resistance, including the concept of terminal velocity.

IV. Quiz

Answer the following questions in 2-3 sentences each.

1. What is the difference between speed and velocity?
2. What does the slope of a displacement-time graph represent?
3. What does the slope of a velocity-time graph represent?
4. What does the area under a velocity-time graph represent?
5. What is the approximate value of the acceleration due to gravity near the Earth's surface? Include units.
6. What is terminal velocity, and why does it occur?
7. How does air resistance affect the motion of a falling object?
8. How can this simulation help you understand the relationship between acceleration and velocity?
9. According to the simulation description, what mathematical model is encouraged for use when exploring uniform velocity?
10. What are some ways to use the interactive features of the simulation?

V. Quiz Answer Key

1. Speed is the rate at which an object is moving, while velocity is the rate and direction of an object's movement. Speed is a scalar quantity, while velocity is a vector quantity.
2. The slope of a displacement-time graph represents the velocity of the object. A steeper slope indicates a higher velocity.
3. The slope of a velocity-time graph represents the acceleration of the object. A steeper slope indicates a higher acceleration.
4. The area under a velocity-time graph represents the displacement of the object.
5. The acceleration due to gravity near the Earth's surface is approximately 9.81 m/s², often rounded to 10 m/s².
6. Terminal velocity is the constant speed reached by a falling object when the force of air resistance equals the force of gravity. At this point, the net force is zero, and the object stops accelerating.
7. Air resistance opposes the motion of a falling object, slowing it down. It reduces the object's acceleration and eventually leads to terminal velocity.
8. By adjusting the acceleration and velocity parameters in the simulation, students can see how the car's motion changes over time. This helps them visualize and understand the relationship between these two concepts.
9. The simulation description encourages the use of a mathematical model of the form Y = Y0 + u*t when exploring uniform velocity, where Y is position, Y0 is the initial position, u is uniform velocity, and t is time.
10. Users can adjust the car's acceleration and velocity using sliders or by dragging arrows and empty boxes in the world. Additionally, the combo box allows selection of views: World and Position, World and Velocity, and World and Acceleration.

VI. Essay Questions

Consider the following questions. Structure your answers like essays with a good introductory paragraph, supporting paragraphs, and a conclusion.

1. Explain how the Kinematics Car Y Direction Simulator can be used to illustrate the difference between uniform and non-uniform motion. Provide specific examples of how to manipulate the simulation to demonstrate these concepts.
2. Discuss the role of air resistance in the motion of a falling object. How does the simulation allow you to explore the effects of different levels of air resistance on the object's velocity and acceleration?
3. Describe how displacement-time and velocity-time graphs can be used to analyze the motion of an object. Explain what information can be extracted from each type of graph, and how the Kinematics Car Y Direction Simulator can be used to generate and interpret these graphs.
4. Explain the concept of terminal velocity and how it relates to the forces acting on a falling object. How does the simulation demonstrate the factors that influence terminal velocity?
5. Design an experiment using the Kinematics Car Y Direction Simulator to investigate the relationship between the initial velocity of an object and the time it takes to reach the ground. What variables would you control, and what data would you collect? What conclusions could you draw from your experiment?

VII. Glossary of Key Terms

• Kinematics: The branch of physics concerned with the motion of objects without reference to the forces which cause the motion.
• Displacement: The change in position of an object; a vector quantity having both magnitude and direction.
• Velocity: The rate of change of displacement with respect to time; a vector quantity.
• Acceleration: The rate of change of velocity with respect to time; a vector quantity.
• Free Fall: The motion of an object under the influence of gravity only.
• Air Resistance: The force exerted by air on a moving object that opposes its motion.
• Terminal Velocity: The constant speed that a freely falling object eventually reaches when the force of air resistance equals the force of gravity.
• Displacement-Time Graph: A graph plotting the displacement of an object against time.
• Velocity-Time Graph: A graph plotting the velocity of an object against time.

Sample Learning Goals

[text]

For Teachers

Kinematics Car Y Direction Simulator JavaScript Simulation Applet HTML5

Instructions

 Acceleration and Velocity

World-View Combo Box

Play/Pause, Step and Reset Buttons

Research

[text]

Video

1.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96gBQqgWwkM by ETDtogo 
2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RfbnnqgOvk by ETDtogo

 Version:

Other Resources

[text]