How to Determine the Masses of Objects from an Acceleration vs. Force Graph?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on determining the masses of three objects using an acceleration versus force graph, with object 2 having a known mass of 0.150 kg. The relationship between force and mass is defined by Newton's second law, F=ma, indicating that the slope of the graph represents mass. By comparing the slopes of objects 1 and 3 to that of object 2, one can calculate their respective masses based on the provided graph data.

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  • Understanding of Newton's second law (F=ma)
  • Ability to interpret acceleration versus force graphs
  • Basic knowledge of mass and its relationship to force and acceleration
  • Familiarity with slope calculations in graph analysis
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  • Learn how to calculate slopes from graphs in physics
  • Study the implications of Newton's second law in various contexts
  • Explore the concept of mass in relation to force and acceleration
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Homework Statement



The figure (Intro 1 figure) shows an acceleration-versus-force graph for three objects pulled by rubber bands. The mass of object 2 is 0.150 kg. What are the masses of objects 1 and 3?
(I've attached the figure...hopefully it will show up)

Homework Equations


F=ma

The Attempt at a Solution


I'm super lost on this one...could use all the help I can get!
 

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ScullyX51 said:

Homework Statement



The figure (Intro 1 figure) shows an acceleration-versus-force graph for three objects pulled by rubber bands. The mass of object 2 is 0.150 kg. What are the masses of objects 1 and 3?
(I've attached the figure...hopefully it will show up)

Homework Equations


F=ma

The Attempt at a Solution


I'm super lost on this one...could use all the help I can get!

F = M*a

This means that

F_{(a)} = m * a

That means that the slope of the F is the mass as in

\frac{dF_{(a)}}{da} = m * \frac{da}{da} = m

So if the slope of 2 is given as .15 kg and on the graph it has a slope of ...?
Then the slope of 1 and 3 compared to 2 should reflect their masses.
 

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