A person walks to the right along a straight-line path with a steady velocity. Make a prediction for the graph of their velocity versus time (i.e. the vertical axis is velocity and the horizontal is time). Suppose this same individual were instead to walk to the left along the same straight-line path with a steady velocity. Make a prediction for the graph of their velocity-time in this case. Briefly explain the similarities and differences between the graphs you made.

You will once again use "The Moving Man"(Links to an external site.) PhET to check your predictions. Once you have opened the simulation, click on the tab at the upper left titled "Charts". This will show you three graphs: position-time, velocity-time, and acceleration-time. On the top right of each graph is a small red square with a "-", which when clicked on will remove the respective graph. You can use the "clear" button at the bottom left to clear the present graph if you want to restart.

Remove the acceleration graph before continuing.

On the left of the graphs under where it says "Velocity" there is a small box , Enter a velocity of "+1.0" m/s, then press the play button at the bottom of the screen. Compare the velocity-time graph to your prediction, clarify any differences you find between the two.

Repeat the process except this time have the person move with a velocity of "-1.0" m/s. Compare the velocity-time graph to your prediction, clarify any differences you find between the two.

On a velocity-time graph, what tells you if the motion is in the positive or negative direction? Explain your conclusion.

https://phet.colorado.edu/sims/cheerpj/moving-man/latest/moving-man.html?simulation=moving-man