PHISICOS

Collection · 5 games

Uniform linear motion: constant velocity in a straight line

An object in uniform linear motion covers equal distances in equal times, always in the same direction. These games, from two topics, all use it: play them to predict positions, read straight-line graphs, and work out times.

The equations of uniform linear motion

With a constant velocity v, the position changes by the same amount every second, so x = x₀ + v·t and the x–t graph is a straight line whose slope is v. The velocity is the displacement divided by the time, v = Δx ÷ Δt, and the time to cover a distance d at speed v is t = d ÷ v. A negative v means motion toward −x. The acceleration is zero.

Position
x = x₀ + v·t
Velocity
v = Δx ÷ Δt
Time
t = d ÷ v

Games in this collection

5 games

PLAY NOW · 01

Train Track: Where Is Zero?

A train runs between stations on a straight track. Predict where it stops and how far it is displaced, then move the origin: every position changes, but the displacement does not.

PositionReference point
Play Train Track
Position
x = +700 m
Displacement
Δx = x_f − xᵢ

PLAY NOW · 03

Dog Walk: Read the Position Graph

A dog walks out from a bench, waits, and runs back. Read its position, displacement, and distance from the position–time graph, then watch the dog and the graph move together.

Position–time graphsDistance and displacement
Play Dog Walk
Position at a time
x(8 s) = 4 m
Displacement
Δx = x(t₂) − x(t₁)

PLAY NOW · 02

Lift Trips: Distance or Displacement?

A lift stops at several floors, from the car park to the top. Predict the distance it travels and its displacement, then watch the trip log add every stretch while the displacement arrow only links start and finish.

DistanceDisplacement
Play Lift Trips
Distance
s = Σ|Δyᵢ|
Displacement
Δy = y_f − yᵢ

PLAY NOW · 13

Powers-of-Ten Probe

Follow a bacterium, a nerve signal, an airliner, and light itself. Convert SI prefixes, predict each travel time in scientific notation, and zoom the ruler across the scales.

SI prefixesScientific notation
Play Powers-of-Ten Probe
Travel time
t = d ÷ v
Micro
1 μm = 10⁻⁶ m

How each game uses it

  1. Train track The train always runs at 20 m/s. Predict its final position and displacement from different reference points.
  2. Dog walk graph Each stretch of the walk has a constant velocity, so the x–t graph is made of straight pieces. Read positions and displacements from it.
  3. Lift trips The lift moves at a constant 2 m/s between floors. Compare the distance travelled with the displacement.
  4. Speed & velocity In the lab’s straight track with zero acceleration, and in the Pac-Man chase: with 12 m to close at 4 − 2 = 2 m/s, the catch takes 6 s.
  5. Powers of ten Each trip is at constant speed: work out t = d ÷ v after converting the SI prefixes.

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