Setup

Our setup consisted of a Calculator Based Laboratory (CBL), a TI-83, a Motion Detector, and a Force Sensor.  To analyze the motion, we attached the Motion Detector to the CBL, and the CBL to the TI-83.  For the force, we attached the Force Sensor to the CBL, CBL to TI-83, and firmly anchored the Force Sensor to the table.  We then started the Physics program, downloadable from ticalc.org, calibrated our sensor and zeroed it, then attached an elastic string to the Force Sensor and the other end to the Monster Truck.   We used elastic string instead of standard string because it would give us better, more usable results.

Displacement

Change in x = xf - xi

The change in distance = final distance minus initial distance.   Recorded in meters (m).

Average Velocity

Change in x/Change in t

Change in distance divided by Change in time.  Recorde in meters per second (m/s)

Average Acceleration

Change in v/Change in t

Change in velocity divided by Change in time.  Recorded in meters per seconds squared (m/s²)

Velocity initial

v_i

It speaks for itself!   Recorded in meters per second (m/s).

Velocity final

v_f

She speaks for herself!  Same as above.

Net Pulling Force

ma

Mass multiplied by Acceleration.  Recorded in newtons (N).

Net Work

F(d)(cos Ø)

Force multiplied by distance traveled multiplied by the cosine of Ø, where Ø is the vertical angle the object moving travels.  Recorded in joules (J).

KE (Kinetic Energy)

(1/2)mv²

(1/2) multiplied by mass multiplied by velocity squared.  Recorded in joules (J).

PE (Potential Energy)

mvh

Mass multiplied by velocity multiplied by heigth.  Recorded in joules (J).

Power

W/Change in t

Work divided by Change in time.  Recorde in watts (W).

Momentum

mv

Mass multiplied by velocity.  Recorded in kilograms times meters per second (kg*m/s).

Impulse

F(Change in t) = Change in p

Force multiplied by Change in time = Change in momentum.  If you find the change in momentum, you've also found the impulse.  Recorde in newton seconds (Ns).

Our Distance Versus Time Graph shows us that as time increases, the distance traveled increases.  Also, our graph tells us that the velocity is increasing and the Monster Truck is accelerating.   Our Velocity Versus Time Graph shows us that our velocity, indeed, is increasing.   It also shows an abrupt increase in velocity at the very beginning of the experiment.  Our Accelerating Versus Time Graph is hard to observe, but it should show a somewhat constant acceleration (a straight, horizontal line).

Distance Versus Time

Velocity Versus Time

Acceleration Versus Time

We began by setting up our instruments for observing motion.  We used the setup mentioned above.  We started the Physics program, setup our probes, and were now ready to observe our Monster Truck.  We wound up the Monster Truck, and let 'er rip.  We then used the calculated data and analyzed it with our TI-83.

First we calculated Displacement by looking at the distance graph (top picture).  Next we recorded the v_i and the v_f by looking at the velocity graph (middle picture).  We also recorded the average velocity.  We then took a look at the acceleration graph (bottom picture), and calculated the average acceleration.  While looking at any of these graphs, one is able to calculate the time in which all this happened, for all these graphs represent time.  We recorded our time, and later recorded the mass of our truck by weighing it on our balance.

Displacement

0.785m

Velocity Initial

0m/s

Velocity Final

0.878m/s

Average Velocity

0.568m/s

Average Acceleration

0.665m/s²

Time

1.320s

Mass