Experiment: Derivation of Equations of Motion by Graphical Method
Aim
To derive the three equations of motion for uniformly accelerated linear motion by the
graphical method:
v = u + at, s = ut + ½at², v² = u² + 2as.
Apparatus required
1. Low-friction horizontal track or smooth inclined plane
2. Trolley / dynamics cart with flag (for photogate) or marker for manual timing
3. Pulley, string and slotted masses (or a constant-force arrangement)
4. Two or more photogates (preferred) with digital timer — or stopwatch if photogates
are unavailable
5. Metre scale and measuring tape
6. Graph paper, pencil, ruler and protractor (for plotting and tangents)
7. Clamp stand and release mechanism (pin or clamp)
8. Notebook / data book
Theory
Consider an object moving in a straight line with initial velocity u. Let it undergo uniform
acceleration a beginning at time t = 0. After time t its velocity becomes v and it covers
displacement s.
1. On a velocity–time (v–t) graph for uniform acceleration the graph is a straight line. The
acceleration equals the slope of this v–t graph: a = (v - u) / t. Rearranging gives the first
equation: v = u + at.
2. The area under the v–t graph between 0 and t gives displacement s. For the straight line
between velocities u and v:
s = [(u + v)/2] × t. Substituting v = u + at gives the second equation: s = ut + ½at².
3. Eliminating t between v = u + at and s = [(u + v)/2]t gives: v² = u² + 2as.
Procedure
Setup:
1. Place the track horizontally (or set a small known incline). Attach pulley and hang a small
mass if using a constant pull. Fit a narrow flag to the trolley at a fixed known point.
2. Fix photogates (or mark equidistant points along the track). Ensure metre scale runs
parallel to the motion and positions are measured from the chosen origin.
Data collection:
1. Release the trolley from the start. Record times t corresponding to positions.
2. Using measured Δs and Δt, compute instantaneous velocities.
3. Prepare a table of s vs t.
Graphing:
1. Plot s vs t; draw tangents for velocities.
2. Plot v vs t; determine slope (a) and intercept (u).
3. Calculate area under v–t to find s and verify equations of motion.
Observations
Table 1 — Position vs Time
Run No. Position s (m) Time t (s)
1.0 0.0 0.0
2.0 0.15 0.5
3.0 0.4 1.0
4.0 0.75 1.5
5.0 1.2 2.0
Table 2 — Instantaneous Velocity vs Time
Point (time) t (s) Instantaneous v (m/s)
0.0 0.2
0.5 0.4
1.0 0.6
1.5 0.8
2.0 1.0
Results
From the v–t graph:
• v = u + at
• s = ut + ½at²
• v² = u² + 2as
Acceleration a = 0.40 m/s², Initial velocity u = 0.20 m/s.
Precautions
9. Ensure the track is level (or incline is constant and known).
10. Minimise friction by cleaning track and trolley wheels.
11. Use photogates for accurate timing; manual timing has more error.
12. Attach flag at same point each run; keep width small.
13. Draw tangents carefully for accurate velocity readings.
14. Measure distances without parallax error.
15. Repeat runs and average results.
16. Release trolley smoothly without jerks.
17. Record instrument uncertainties in final report.
