Contextualization

The analysis of graphs of uniform rectilinear motion (MRU) is one of the most fundamental concepts in Physics, with implications that go beyond the scientific field, penetrating areas such as engineering, technology, and even less obvious everyday areas, such as economics and game design. This ability to interpret motion graphs is an essential skill that allows us to understand many phenomena around us.

Uniform Rectilinear Motion (MRU) is a type of motion where the object moves in a straight line at a constant speed without any acceleration. It is characterized by a constant velocity, meaning the object covers equal distances in equal time intervals. MRU is one of the most basic concepts of kinematics, the scientific study of motion.

When we talk about motion, it is natural to start imagining an object moving in a straight line - perhaps a car driving on a straight track. However, the idea of uniform rectilinear motion and its graphical representations are present in many aspects of our daily lives. From the simple crossing of a pedestrian on a road to the planning of an airplane trip, the underlying concepts of MRU are always present.

Practical Activity

Activity Title: "In Motion with MRU"

Project Objective

To understand and analyze Uniform Rectilinear Motion (MRU) through the creation and analysis of graphs based on real experiments. After the experiment, students should prepare a report, complementing the practical results with theory.

Detailed Project Description

Each group of 3 to 5 students will have to carry out a series of experiments to analyze Uniform Rectilinear Motion. The activity will be divided into two main phases: the experimentation phase and the analysis phase.

1. Experimentation Phase: Students must choose a moving object (a bicycle, a toy car, a walking colleague, etc.) and take measurements of the object's displacement over time for different time intervals.

2. Analysis Phase: After collecting the data, students should use this data to create position versus time and velocity versus time graphs, and interpret these graphs to analyze the object's motion.

Required Materials

1. A moving object (bicycle, toy car, person, etc.).
2. A stopwatch.
3. A ruler or measuring tape.
4. Paper, pencil, and eraser for notes.
5. Graph plotting software (preferably digital, but can also be done manually if necessary).

Detailed Step-by-Step for Activity Execution

1. Choose the object to be analyzed and discuss the best way to take measurements.
2. Define the path the object will travel, ensuring it is a straight line.
3. Take measurements of the moving object, noting the displacement and time at each interval.
4. Repeat the measurements at least 3 times to ensure data accuracy.
5. Use the collected data to build a position versus time graph and a velocity versus time graph.
6. Analyze the created graphs, discussing what they represent and what can be learned from them about Uniform Rectilinear Motion.

Project Deliverables

At the end of the practical activity, students must submit a formal report with the following structure and content:

1. Introduction: Provide context for the experiment conducted, explaining the concept of Uniform Rectilinear Motion and the importance of graphs in analyzing this type of motion. Explain the relevance of MRU in the real world.

2. Development: Divide this section into two parts. In the first part, explain the practical aspect of the project, detailing the experiment conducted, the reason for choosing the object, how the measurements and graph construction were done. In the second part, combine practice with theory, explaining what each data point on the graph represents (such as position, velocity, time) and how these data points relate to each other in Uniform Rectilinear Motion.

3. Conclusion: Describe the main learnings obtained through this activity. Relate these learnings to the theory studied and the practice carried out. Draw a conclusion about the importance of graphical representation in analyzing Uniform Rectilinear Motion.

4. Bibliography: Indicate all sources of information consulted for the activity and report preparation (books, websites, videos, etc).

Finally, the report will be evaluated considering the accuracy in data collection and interpretation, the consistency and correctness of the graphs, the quality of argumentation in graph analysis, the understanding of theory related to MRU, and the quality of writing and organization of the report.