Unit 1 Summary - Constant Velocity Particle Model

In this unit of physics, we learned about motion. We created the Constant Velocity Particle Model which enabled us to work problems and understand velocity and position as well as some of the other concepts that we talked about in this unit. This is useful to us in the real world because it has many different applications to it. Examples of this include planning a road trip (planning time) or differentiate between distance and displacement in a trip. In our daily lives we use cars and we often determine how long a trip will take based on how far our destination is (position) and how long it will take us to get there (time). 

New concepts included:
Constant Velocity
Displacement
Position
CVPM Equation:
- y=mx+b
- x=vt+Xo (not)
Difference between speed & velocity
Difference between distance & displacement 

Explanation of Concepts:
Velocity - the rate and direction of motion (position/time)
Speed - the quickness of movement
Distance - the length traveled or path length
Displacement - the distance between the starting and ending position
Position - the placement of an object
Negative motion - object moving backwards
Positive motion - object moving forwards
Xo - X not (starting position)

CVPM Representations:
- Written descriptions
- Position vs. Time Graph

This position vs. time graph shows an object moving at a constant velocity of 5m/s for 5 seconds and then remaining in the same position for the next 5 seconds. This graph shows us position vs. time primarily, but we can also find the direction, displacement, and velocity of the object in motion. 

- Velocity vs. Time Graph

This velocity vs. time graph shows an object moving at a constant velocity of 10m/s for 5 seconds. This graph shows us velocity and time as well as direction (positive & negative). It, however, does not show us the position of the object. 
- Motion Map 

This motion map shows two motorists' movements over a period of time. Motorist B is moving at a constant velocity of what we can assume is 1m/s. Motorist A has a different starting position than motorist B, but does not change that initial position during the duration of the data. The motion map shows us starting position, velocity, time, and direction of motion. 

With the new constant velocity model we were able to show the relationships between time and velocity, and time and position. All of the terms that we learned this unit were connected through their relationship and effect on motion. We were able to distinguish between displacement and distance, and speed and velocity. We learned about how to graph movement, and this is important because we will build off of the concepts that we learned about this unit, in the rest of our physics year. 


- Rob "yung leopard" Harlan
email: harlanr18@ashevilleschool.org