Activity sheet PHY_179: Ladybug Motion 2D

Subject
Related topic

Physics
Speed Velocity and Acceleration

TT Year

Semester
1

Grade

Textbook
2

Chapter
8

2010
Lesson

Description of resource
This simulation shows the velocity and acceleration vectors in different types of motion.
Linear, Circular or Eliptical motion can be shown.
Difficulty level
Estimated duration of animation use
Suggested user of multimedia
Suggested audience

Easy
10 minutes
RTTC Teacher Trainers
RTTC Student Teachers

Student learning outcomes / lesson objectives

Describe how velocity and acceleration relate to each other,
Explain how movement is related to velocity and acceleration
-

Knowledge
Skills
Attitude

Teaching process
Suggested place in the lesson structure

Teacher's Activities

At the beginning of step 3 to illustrate velocity and acceleration vectors when an object is in movement. Use the manual
option to make the ladybug move yourself, and ask students to explain why the vectors have this sort of orientation.
Core of lesson
Step 3

Students' activities

While the motion is set to manual and action is set to record,

make the ladybug move in a triangle. Then click playback and
lower the speed. What happens to the acceleration and
velocity vectors?

When the ladybug is pulled to another location, the

acceleration vector becomes very high, thus provoking a high
speed. When the ladybug stops in the position of destiny, an
inverse acceleration is applied to stop the ladybug.

Change to linear motion. Observe what happens.

The acceleration vector is almost always absent while the

velocity is constant. However, for the ladybug to turn around,
a strong inverse acceleration is applied.

Now observe the circular motion. What happens with the two
forces?

The velocity vector is constant but changes direction to follow

the path of the circle. The acceleration is constant
representing the centripetal force needed not to loose the path.

And for the ellipse path?

Type of multimedia
Simulation
More background materials
180_Ladybug revolution

Velocity becomes small and acceleration large at the time of

passing through the long end of the ellipse. At the short side
of the ellipse, velocity is large and acceleration small.
Source
http://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/ladybug-motion-2d
CD reference
\English multimedia physics\179_ladybug-motion-2d_en.jar