How to find the magnitude of Force from an A vs Mass Graph

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the magnitude of force from an Acceleration vs Mass graph using the formula F=ma. A participant initially misinterpreted the mass as 600 meters instead of 600 grams, leading to incorrect calculations. The correct approach involves converting mass from grams to kilograms before applying the formula with acceleration in meters per second squared. The accurate calculation yields a force expressed in Newtons.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's Second Law (F=ma)
  • Knowledge of unit conversion from grams to kilograms
  • Familiarity with acceleration units (m/s²)
  • Ability to interpret graphs in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Learn about unit conversion techniques in physics
  • Explore detailed examples of applying F=ma in various scenarios
  • Study the relationship between mass, acceleration, and force in different contexts
  • Investigate common mistakes in force calculations and how to avoid them
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, educators teaching mechanics, and anyone interested in understanding force calculations from graphical data.

Eram Ahmed
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Homework Statement


I have attached the graph which displays Acceleration vs Mass. It shows the acceleration of objects of different mass that experience the same force. I need to get the magnitude of the force from this.​

Homework Equations



F= ma

The Attempt at a Solution


I used F=ma for this but it was incorrect. If anyone can give me the right approach to this problem, it would be really helpful![/B]
 

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It should be correct. Please show your working.

Perhaps check your units?
 
From the graph, I multiplied 600m*6m/s^2= 3600 Newtons. But the answer is coming out as wrong.
 
Eram Ahmed said:
600m*6m/s^2= 3600 Newtons
It's not 600m you're multiplying (m means mass in that context) it's 600g.
 
Hiero said:
It's not 600m you're multiplying (m means mass in that context) it's 600g.
Yes sorry that was a typo, I meant 600 g. So shouldn't the answer be 3600 Newtons then? F=ma?
 
Eram Ahmed said:
So shouldn't the answer be 3600 Newtons then?
No, the answer should then be 3600 g⋅m/s2
 
You could also convert mass from grams to kilograms then multiply by acceleration in m/s2 to get a numerical answer in Newtons.
 

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