Help - 1D Non-Uniform Motion Builder Graphing (pos, vel, acc)

1D Non-Uniform Motion Builder Graphing (pos, vel, acc) simulates the uniform motion of an object and constructs position-time and velocity-time graphs to analyze one-dimensional motion.


Click on a region in the image of the default applet display below to read a description of the corresponding feature:

1D Non-Uniform Motion Builder Graphing (pos, vel, acc) Default Applet Display

Default Applet Display Motion Control Buttons Motion Scripts Display Window Window Resize Bar Motion Display Window Motion Scripts Control Buttons

1. Applet Display Panel

The upper half of the data display panel allows you to define steps in a motion by entering scripts describing that motion using the "MotionStep EditorDialog" box. The lower half of the data display panel allows you to observe the movement of a motion sprite in response to the entered motion scripts.

The relative sizes of the panels shown can be controlled by moving the mouse over top of the grey, textured bar that divides the applet display panel. When the cursor changes into a resize arrow (image), hold the left mouse button down and drag the grey, textured bar up or down to resize the panels shown.

2. Data Display Panel

The motion sprite (red, open circle image) moves along the x-axis in the lower half of the applet display panel when the "Play" control button is clicked, visually showing you what the defined motion looks like.

3. Data Entry Panel

When you press the "Add" control button (Add), the "MotionStep EditorDialog" window opens, as shown below. Type in values (using indicated units) for Time, Time Step, and Velocity X in the spaces provided. When finished, close the window by clicking "OK".

image

If more than one 'Motion Step' is entered, the motion scripts appear in the order in which they were created in the MotionStep EditorDialog window. In the figure shown below, there are three motion scripts. The second motion script has been selected by clicking on top of it - indicated by it becoming highlighted. Doing this enables you to either remove or edit the selected motion script.

image

4. Control Button Panel

The applet is controlled by the following buttons.

Icon Name Description
Add Add Motion Script

Add a motion script to the list of motion scripts. ('Motion Scripts' specify the duration and velocity of motion.)

Remove Remove Motion Script

Remove a motion script to the list of motion scripts.

Move Apart Move Up

Move the selected motion script up (run earlier) in the list of motion scripts.

Bring Together Move Down

Move the selected motion script down (run later) in the list of motion scripts.

Edit Edit

Edit the selected motion script.

Remove All Delete

Remove all motion scripts.

Play Play

Run the applet. Once pressed, this button changes into a pause button.

Pause Pause

Pause the applet. Once pressed, this button changes into a play button.

Reset Reset

Clear all settings and start the applet over from its default state.

Graph Graph

Open the Graph Display to create x-t and v-t graphs of the motion.

Zoom In Zoom In

Zoom in on the motion sprite and motion display window.

Zoom Out Zoom Out

Zoom out on the motion sprite and motion display window.


Physics 20-30 v1.0back to top
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Last Updated: June 16, 2004