Now let’s investigate the relationship between displacement and velocity more closely. For that, we’re going to look at the changing slope of the yversus t graph using Tracker’s Data Tool: Double-clic

Now let’s investigate the relationship between displacement and velocity more closely. For that, we’re going to look at the changing slope of the yversus t graph using Tracker’s Data Tool:

  • Double-click on the x vs. t graph to analyze it. (You should see all the x and t data in the table and a blowup of the graph from the Tracker screen.)
  • Now click the button for Slope at the top of the graph area. Slide the cursor slowly along the x versus t graph. You’ll see a black line segment showing the instantaneous slope at each point. Note that the value of the slope for each point is shown in the yellow box below the graph.
  • Now pick at least three different data times and record the slope of the x versus t graph for that time, using the table below.
  • Close the Data Tool  for this x vs. t graph.
  • Next, open Data Tool for the vx vs. t graph. (Double-click on the graph.)
  • For each of the times recorded in your data table, find and record the value of vx in the table.
  • Based on what you see from your data table, describe how you could use an x versus t graph to accurately construct a vx versus t graph.