Understanding the Simulation
This simulator demonstrates the fundamental principles of **kinematics** for an object under constant acceleration. By setting an acceleration value and starting the simulation, you can observe the direct impact on the object's velocity and the total distance it travels over time.
Key Physics Concepts
- Acceleration ($a$):The rate of change of velocity. In this simulation, it's a constant value that you set. A positive value means the car speeds up.
- Velocity ($v$):The speed of the car in a specific direction. With constant acceleration, velocity increases linearly over time. This is shown by the straight, upward-sloping line on the Velocity vs. Time graph ($v=v_0 + at$).
- Distance ($d$):The total displacement of the car from its starting point. Distance increases quadratically with time, which is why the Distance vs. Time graph shows a curve that gets steeper over time ($d=v_0t + \frac{1}{2}at^2$).
How to Use the Simulator
- Set Acceleration:Enter a value for acceleration in the input box in the control panel.
- Start:Click the "Start" button to begin the simulation.
- Observe:Watch the data cards and graphs update in real-time to see how velocity and distance change over time.
- Reset:Click the "Reset" button at any time to stop the simulation and return everything to its initial state.