Linear vs. non-linear relationships

Is life along the straight and narrow?

A basic linear relationship is something like if you have a job making $15.00 per hour, how much money do you make after x hours. This relationship is linear (and directly proportional), if you work more, you'll make proportionally more. There is a linear relationship between the hours you work, and the money you make.

Question 1: Think about a car accelerating quickly from a stop like this one. Do you think there is a linear relationship between the speed of the car and time? Write at least three lines to explain why or why not.


Question 2: Felix Baumgardner set the world record for the fastest free fall when he skydived from 128,000 feet. Do you think there was a linear relationship between his air speed and time as he fell? Write at least three lines why or why not? 


Question 3: What are some other non-linear relationships in the real world?