1. Construct three simple graphs like those discussed in this chapter showing distance vs. time, velocity vs. time, and acceleration vs. time. Draw your graphs one beneath the other and line them up vertically so that the time intervals on each of them line up. Here is the situation: An SUV is at rest at a traffic signal. Then the car starts moving, accelerating uniformly to a certain velocity, and then continues at a constant velocity after that. Be sure to label the axes of your graphs.
2. Sketch the same three graphs for this situation: A pick-up truck is traveling at a constant velocity. Then the driver slams on the brakes. Before the car stops, the driver releases the brakes so that the car continues to roll along at a constant (but much slower) velocity. Be sure to label the axes of your graphs.
3. Sketch the same three graphs for this situation: An MG convertible is coasting out of gas and gradually slowing down when it arrives at the entrance to a gas station. Next, the car begins rolling up the entrance ramp to the gas station, but the ramp is steep and the car slows down rapidly to a stop. Next, the driver fails to step on the brake, so after stopping at the top of the ramp the car immediately begins to roll backwards down the ramp. Note that there are only two time intervals here: before the ramp and on the ramp. (Ignore the up and down motion due to the ramp and any turning the car would do to turn into the gas station ramp. Just think about how far the car has traveled from the point where it ran out of gas.)
4. A space ship in space is cruising at a constant velocity. The captain switches on the retro-rockets, which begin slowing the vehicle. The captain never turns the rockets off, so after it comes to rest it immediately begins moving (still accelerating) in the opposite direction. Note that there are only two time intervals in this scenario.
