PHET SIMULATION : GERAK LURUS BERATURAN

Introduction

This tutorial guides you through the PHET simulation of linear motion, focusing on understanding the concepts of uniform motion and acceleration. It is designed to enhance your physics knowledge and provide practical insights into motion dynamics, which are vital in both academic and real-world applications.

Step 1: Access the PHET Simulation

• Visit the PHET website or directly access the simulation via the provided YouTube link.
• Look for the simulation titled "Gerak Lurus Beraturan" (Uniform Linear Motion).
• Ensure you have a compatible browser that supports the simulation platform.

Step 2: Familiarize Yourself with the Interface

• Explore the different sections of the simulation interface:
  • Graph Area: Displays motion graphs such as position vs. time.
  • Control Panel: Adjust parameters like speed and time.
  • Object Panel: Select different objects to observe their motion.
• Hover over each section to see tooltips that provide additional information on its functionality.

Step 3: Set Initial Conditions for the Simulation

• Adjust the initial position and velocity of the moving object using the control sliders.
• Experiment with various values:
  • Position: Set the starting point (e.g., 0 meters).
  • Velocity: Select a constant speed (e.g., 5 m/s).
• Click on "Start" to initiate the simulation and observe the object's motion.

Step 4: Analyze the Motion

• Observe the graphs generated during the simulation:
  • Position vs. Time Graph: Analyze how the position changes over time.
  • Velocity vs. Time Graph: Note the constancy of velocity in uniform motion.
• Take notes on how the object's behavior changes with different initial conditions.

Step 5: Experiment with Acceleration

• Return to the control panel and set the acceleration to a non-zero value.
• Observe how the motion changes from uniform to accelerated motion:
  • Notice the change in the shape of the position vs. time graph.
  • Analyze how velocity varies over time.
• Adjust the acceleration values (e.g., 2 m/s² or -2 m/s²) and repeat the observation.

Step 6: Document Your Observations

• Summarize your findings from the different simulations:
  • Compare uniform motion with accelerated motion.
  • Highlight key differences in motion characteristics.
• Create a report or presentation based on your analysis, which can be useful for class discussions or assignments.

Conclusion

In this tutorial, you learned how to access and use the PHET simulation for linear motion, analyze both uniform and accelerated motion, and document your observations. Understanding these concepts is crucial for mastering physics principles. As a next step, consider applying these principles to real-world examples, such as calculating the motion of vehicles or objects in sports.