Trajectories in the Classroom: Learning from Toy Cars

The most basic education in classical physics requires an understanding of one-dimensional and two-dimensional motion. These can be illustrated and analyzed through a variety of graphs. 

The topic of transportation is ideal for studying trajectory. Basic physics equations pertain to all types of transportation. 

Below are two examples of trajectories, the first modeled by a radio-controlled toy SUV and the second by a radio-controlled toy car. These graphs are excerpted from The Science of Cars: Volume 3 from Schottenbauer Publishing.

Discussion Questions

1. In how many dimensions does the SUV move? a) 1, b) 2, c) 3.
2. What is the total distance the SUV moves? 
3. What is the average velocity of the SUV?
4. What is the average acceleration of the SUV?
5. In how many dimensions does the car move? a) 1, b) 2, c) 3.
6. What is the total distance the car moves? 
7. What is the average velocity of the car?
8. What is the average acceleration of the car?

Additional Information

Schottenbauer Publishing

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