Download UFO Graphing Problem

Crazy Flying Graphs
I. An Unidentified Flying Object is tracked traveling with straight, horizontal, one-dimensional motion over
the SeaTac area. Here is the UFO’s position versus time graph according to RADAR. Assume that SeaTac
Airport is located at x = 0, and that the positive direction is toward the west.
Discussion:
 At which times is the UFO directly over SeaTac Airport?

When is v = 0?

For which times is the UFO moving the fastest?
x Vs t
8000
6000
4000
x (m)
2000
0
-2000
-30
-20
-10
0
10
20
30
-4000
-6000
-8000
t (s)
Questions:
1. Find the instantaneous velocities graphically at:
2. If you know Calculus use the equation of motion
x = (-0.80 m/s3) t3 + (500 m/s) t to find vinst at:
A) t = -26 s
A) t = -26 s
B) t = 0 s
B) t = 0 s
Here is the UFO’s velocity versus time graph.
C) t = +20 s
C) t = +20 s
1
Here is the UFO’s velocity versus time graph.
Discussion:
 Does this graph agree with your v = 0 times from Discussion question 2 above?

When is a = 0?

When is the magnitude of the acceleration the greatest?
v Vs t
1000
500
v (m/s)
0
-30
-20
-10
0
10
20
30
-500
-1000
-1500
-2000
t (s)
Questions:
1. Find the instantaneous acceleration graphically at:
2. If you know Calculus use the equation of motion
x = (-0.80 m/s3) t3 + (500 m/s) t to find ainst at:
A) t = -26 s
A) t = -26 s
Finally, here is the UFO’s acceleration versus time graph. B) t = +20 s
B) t = +20 s
2
Here is the UFO’s acceleration versus time graph.
Discussion:
 What is the UFO doing at t = 0?

How does the UFO’s acceleration change with time? The rate of change of acceleration is called
“surge” or “jerk.” Find the “surge.”
a Vs t
200
150
a (m/s^2)
100
50
0
-50
-30
-20
-10
0
-100
-150
-200
t (s)
3
10
20
30
II. Two trains are headed toward each other on collision course on a single, straight track. Each train has a
constant speed of 30 mph. When the trains are 60 miles apart a deranged bird starts flying with a constant
speed of 60 mph from the front of one train directly toward the other train. When the bird reaches the front
of the other train it instantly turns around and flies directly back toward the first train and so on. Assume
that the bird has negligible size, always flies with the same constant speed, and that the turnaround time is
instantaneous.
A) Sketch a graph of the motion (x versus t) of both trains and the bird.
B) How many trips can the bird make from one train to the other before getting crushed?
C) What is the total distance the bird travels?
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