Percent error using acceleration and 1/mass

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In a lab experiment involving a cart and pulley, data was collected to analyze net force and acceleration, resulting in a curve for acceleration versus mass that was transformed into a linear graph of acceleration versus 1/mass. The relationship between force, mass, and acceleration is expressed by the equation F = ma, allowing the slope of the acceleration versus 1/mass graph to represent the net force (F). The accepted value for the percent error calculation is the force used during the experiment, which should remain constant across all data points. The slope, measured in Newtons, confirms this value. Understanding this relationship is crucial for accurately calculating percent error in the experiment.
mjohnston2
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I'm doing a lab where I had to use a cart and a pully, collecting data to compare the net force and the acceleration and again for acceleration vs mass. The acceleration vs mass graph was a curve, which we then straightened out to give us a graph of acceleration vs 1/mass. I am wondering how i would go about to find my accepted value to use in my percent error equation. thank you ahead of time :)
 
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Welcome to PF, mj.
Since F = ma, a = F*1/m.
Comparing that with good old y = mx + b, the slope on the a vs 1/m graph should be F.
I trust you used the same force for all the data points. The force you used is your "accepted value" for the slope.
 
Delphi51 said:
Welcome to PF, mj.
Since F = ma, a = F*1/m.
Comparing that with good old y = mx + b, the slope on the a vs 1/m graph should be F.
I trust you used the same force for all the data points. The force you used is your "accepted value" for the slope.

YES ! i totally understand :) my slope is in Newtons so it would turn out to be F ! Thank you !
 
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