A vs Fnet Graph: Acceleration or Force?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the appropriate graphing of acceleration versus net force (Fnet) in the context of a lab experiment involving the motion of a cart being pulled by varying weights. Participants are exploring the relationship between these two variables and how to represent them on a graph.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are discussing which variable should be plotted on the y-axis versus the x-axis, considering the definitions of independent and dependent variables. There is an exploration of how the setup of the experiment influences this decision.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on graphing conventions, suggesting that the variable being measured should be placed on the y-axis. There is an acknowledgment of the specific context of the lab, where Fnet is manipulated while measuring acceleration.

Contextual Notes

The lab involves measuring how the acceleration of a cart changes with different weights, with specific parts of the experiment having constant and variable Fnet. This setup influences the discussion about graphing the two variables.

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[SOLVED] a vs Fnet graph

Which unit goes on the y axis? acceleration or Fnet?
 
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It depends which one your plotting on the y-axis :-p (sorry couldn't resist). Generally, your independent variable [the one you are measuring] would go on the y-axis and your dependent variable [the one you are controlling] would go on the x-axis.
 
Hootenanny said:
It depends which one your plotting on the y-axis :-p (sorry couldn't resist). Generally, your independent variable [the one you are measuring] would go on the y-axis and your dependent variable [the one you are controlling] would go on the x-axis.
lol So Fnet goes on the y-axis because I'm measuring the Newtons, right?
 
xCanx said:
lol So Fnet goes on the y-axis because I'm measuring the Newtons, right?
Yes, if you are chaging the acceleration and measuring how this affects the force then F goes on the y-axis.
 
See, I'm doing a lab and it asks me to graph a vs Fnet. The lab was measuring how fast a cart is pulled by different weights. And so Fnet was already given (one part of the lab, Fnet was constant, and the other part was not). I'm actually changing the weights that are pulling the cart (Fnet). Thanks for your help :)
 
xCanx said:
See, I'm doing a lab and it asks me to graph a vs Fnet. The lab was measuring how fast a cart is pulled by different weights. And so Fnet was already given (one part of the lab, Fnet was constant, and the other part was not). I'm actually changing the weights that are pulling the cart (Fnet). Thanks for your help :)
So in your case your controlling the force and measuring the acceleration; so a goes on the y-axis and F on the x-axis
 

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