High School How Can You Linearize a 1/x Graph in Physics Lab Data?

Click For Summary
To linearize a 1/x graph in physics lab data, students should consider the relationship between acceleration and mass as described by Newton's second law, F=ma. By plotting acceleration (a) against mass (m), they can identify how acceleration inversely depends on mass. The goal is to manipulate the equation to create a linear relationship, which may involve plotting 1/m against a or using other transformations. Understanding the underlying physics principles will guide the correct approach to derive the necessary equation. This method will help clarify the relationship between the variables in the context of the lab experiment.
Matt_Guy
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
So I've been given this practice problem for a test tomorrow and have no clue how to do it.
Info: Students Perform a lab and record data on how changes in mass affect acceleration

"Derive an equation that you graph to make a linear relationship from the recorded data."

Given is a data table that graphs out to be a graph similar to 1/x.

I have no clue how to start this. I assume you use F=MA but am not sure.
I am not looking for an answer but more of an understanding of the work used to solve the problem.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Welcome to PF;
Just think about plotting the data - from your understanding of physics so far, what would the graph look like if you just plotted a vs m.
ie. how does acceleration depend on mass according to the best model you have to hand? (Yes: Newton's second law F=ma)
 
I do not have a good working knowledge of physics yet. I tried to piece this together but after researching this, I couldn’t figure out the correct laws of physics to combine to develop a formula to answer this question. Ex. 1 - A moving object impacts a static object at a constant velocity. Ex. 2 - A moving object impacts a static object at the same velocity but is accelerating at the moment of impact. Assuming the mass of the objects is the same and the velocity at the moment of impact...

Similar threads

  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
15K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
4K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
Replies
6
Views
4K