Physics experiments recorded on video can be analyzed in Tracker by marking moving objects and examining their motion. Teachers and students can use the resulting measurements, graphs, and simulations to explore topics such as kinematics, energy, and momentum.
Track motion in experiment videos
Import a video of a real experiment, then mark an object's position as it moves through the footage. Tracker records those points as data that can be examined over time, turning visible motion into measurements for physics analysis.
This workflow gives students a way to investigate motion from recorded experiments, including examples involving kinematics and dynamics. Teachers can use the footage and measurements to connect observed movement with the concepts being taught.
Graph and analyze the measurements
Once an object has been tracked, use its data to create graphs and carry out quantitative analysis. Graphs make changes in motion easier to inspect and provide a basis for discussing physical properties using measurements from the video.
- Use measured motion to explore kinematics and dynamics.
- Examine experiment data in graphs while studying energy or momentum.
Simulate experiments in the modeling environment
Tracker also includes a modeling environment for simulating experiments. This lets learners work with both recorded physical events and simulated ones while studying how physics concepts apply to motion and other experiment results.
Pros
- Turns positions marked in experiment videos into data for analysis
- Creates graphs from tracked motion data
- Includes a modeling environment for simulating experiments
- Supports lessons on kinematics, dynamics, energy, and momentum
How does Tracker analyze a physics video?
Import experiment footage, mark an object's positions as it moves, then use the resulting data for graphs and quantitative analysis.
Can Tracker simulate experiments too?
Yes. Its modeling environment lets users simulate experiments as well as analyze video.
Which physics topics can Tracker support?
Kinematics, dynamics, energy, and momentum, studied through video measurements and analysis.