Measuring instantaneous speed analysis (v=s/t)
I can accurately measure the instantaneous speed of a dynamics trolley and analyse patterns in its behaviour.
Measuring instantaneous speed analysis (v=s/t)
I can accurately measure the instantaneous speed of a dynamics trolley and analyse patterns in its behaviour.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- A dynamics trolley speeds up (accelerates) along the whole length of a steep ramp.
- Instantaneous speed is the average speed over a very short time period.
- Taking measurements by reading the timing lines at eye level improves accuracy.
- Repeated readings by different observers helps to check for systematic errors.
Common misconception
It is important for the same person to take all the measurements.
Emphasise that if the method is a good one then everyone carrying it out carefully should get similar results that show the same pattern (the results are repeatable and reproducible).
Keywords
Repeatable - A measurement is repeatable if the same (or similar) results are obtained when the same person repeats the investigation using the same method.
Reproducible - A measurement is reproducible if the same (or similar) results are obtained when the same person repeats it using a different method, or a different person repeats it using the same method.
Instantaneous speed - The instantaneous speed of an object is its speed at a particular moment in time.
Directly proportional - If two variables are directly proportional, when one variable increases, the other increases at the same rate.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
distance -
metres
time -
seconds
mass -
kilograms
speed -
metres per second
$$s$$ -
distance (displacement)
$$v$$ -
speed (velocity)
$$t$$ -
time
Exit quiz
6 Questions
repeatable -
when the same results can be achieved by the same person and method
reproducible -
when the same results can be achieved by a different person or method
instantaneous speed -
the speed at a particular moment in time
direct proportional -
when one variable is a constant multiple of the other