How does the gradient of the graph compare to the W force

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding the relationship between the gradient of a Mass vs 1/Acceleration graph and the weight force. Participants are exploring how the slope of the graph relates to Newton's Second Law and the implications of using reciprocal values in this context.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to relate the slope of the graph to the weight force, questioning how the gradient can be interpreted in terms of Newton's Second Law. There are inquiries about the representation of the slope in relation to coordinates and the implications of using reciprocal values.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing calculations and questioning the definitions of forces involved. Some guidance has been offered regarding the rearrangement of equations to fit the graph's context, but there is no explicit consensus on the interpretation of the results or the relationship between the slope and weight force.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of a homework assignment, which may limit the information available for discussion. There is also some ambiguity regarding the specific forces being referenced in the context of the experiment.

Orm25
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Homework Statement


How does the gradient of the graph compare to the weight force?
The graph is a Mass vs 1/Acceleration graph (y axis = mass, x-axis = Acceleration, It was mentioned to do this.)

Homework Equations


Explain by referring to the formula for Newton's Second Law.

The Attempt at a Solution



I know that F = m * a
Could someone explain what must be done and what the use of a reciprocal is?

Thanks!
 
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Hi,
The slope of the graph from the line of best fit is 11/20.
The problem I am having is with the comparison of the slope to the weight force which I calculated to be
W = m * g mass of 1 gram = 0.001 KG

W = 0.001 * 9.8

W = 0.0098 N
upload_2017-6-19_22-19-58.png
 
You quote F=ma. I'm not sure which force F represents in your experiment, but I assume it is not the weight of the mass, although you mention W=mg in the later post.

You are used to graphs like y=slope * x. Here, you have y standing for m and x standing for 1/a. So rearrange your F=ma into the form y = slope * x.
 

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