Context

In Physics, relative velocity is the velocity of an object in relation to another. This means that the velocity of an object can be different depending on the observer's point of view. This is a key concept that often challenges our intuition but is present in various situations in our daily lives.

For example, when we are in a moving car, we may feel stationary if we look at other passengers in the same vehicle. However, for a pedestrian on the sidewalk, we are moving at high speed. This difference is due to the concept of relative velocity.

Understanding the concept of relative velocity is vital for various areas, such as traffic engineering, aeronautics, quantum physics, and even economics. For example, traffic engineers need to understand relative velocity to design effective signaling systems and understand traffic flow.

Furthermore, relative velocity is a prerequisite for understanding more advanced concepts in Physics, such as Einstein's Theory of Relativity, which heavily relies on this principle.

Introduction

Let's delve deep into the study of relative velocity, starting with the definition and theory behind this important concept. You will be challenged to understand and apply this theory in a practical activity involving toy cars, which will allow you to see Physics in action in the real world.

After the practical part, you will have the opportunity to reflect on what you have learned by writing a detailed report on the experience, the theoretical concepts, the methodology used, and the results obtained.

Practical Activity

Title: "The Race of Toy Cars: A Study on Relative Velocity"

Project Objective:

To understand the concept of relative velocity through a fun and engaging activity, where students will conduct experiments with toy cars. Additionally, students will be encouraged to integrate the concept of relative velocity with concepts from other disciplines, expanding their view on the applicability of this theory.

Detailed Project Description:

In this activity, students will work together to study the concept of relative velocity. They will experiment with toy cars on a track, changing the cars' speeds to observe and measure the relative velocity between them.

Students will also investigate how relative velocity applies to other disciplines, such as Economics. For example, they may analyze how the variation in the price of one product in relation to another can be seen as a kind of "relative velocity".

Students will be divided into groups of 3 to 5 and will have about 12 hours to complete the activity.

Required Materials:

1. Two toy cars (they should be able to move easily)
2. A straight and flat track (can be a hallway or a quiet street)
3. A stopwatch
4. Meters or measuring tape
5. Paper and pen for notes

Detailed Step-by-Step:

1. Before starting the practical activity, students should review the theory of relative velocity using the provided resources and others they find.
2. Set up the track and mark the distance that will be covered by the cars.
3. At the beginning, one group member should move a toy car along the track while the others time how long it takes for the car to cover the marked distance.
4. Repeat the process with the second toy car, but this time, the car should be moved at a different speed from the first one.
5. Now, students should calculate the speed of each car and the relative velocity between them. With this, they can observe how one car's speed seems to change from the other car's point of view.
6. Finally, students should discuss and document their results. They should try to build a link between the relative velocity of the toy cars and concepts from other disciplines.

After completing the practical experiment, students should work together to write a detailed report. The report should include an Introduction, where students contextualize the concept of relative velocity, its relevance, and the description of the project carried out. In the Development section, students should explain the theory of relative velocity in their own words, describe the practical experiment conducted, the methodology used, and present the results obtained. In the Conclusion, students should analyze the results, identify the learnings, and discuss the applicability of the concept of relative velocity in other contexts beyond Physics. Finally, in the Bibliography, students should list all sources consulted for the project.

Students will be evaluated based on the quality of the report, the accuracy of their experiments and measurements, the clarity of their explanation of the theory of relative velocity, their ability to integrate the concept of relative velocity with other disciplines, and the effective collaboration of the group (as evidenced by the report and the group's participation in the experiment).