"In this lab, a graph of acceleration versus applied force is to be found. Wh would you expect this graph to be linear?"
Why? Because as you apply the force it will accelerate because F=m/a?
2007-01-30 08:04:43 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
If you apply a force F to a mass M it accelerates at rate A. If you double the F and do not change the M, then A will double. So yes, linear.
2007-01-30 08:15:29 · answer #1 · answered by campbelp2002 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The equation that relates force,(F), and acceleration,(a), is
F = ma
where m is the mass of the moving object and in this experiment will serve the purpose of constant of proportionality.
Comparing this equation with the equation of a straight line
y = bx + c
it will be observed that the two equations will be similar if c (y intercept) equals zero(0).
Hence F= ma will be similar to
y = bx which is the equation of a straight line passing through the origin.
2007-01-30 08:59:03 · answer #2 · answered by agboola f 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
x = ma
Is a(x) = x / m a linear function of x
1) a(nx) = nx / m = n * (x / m) = n * a(x)
2) a(x + p) = (x + p)/m = a(x) + a(p)
Any function that satisfies 1) and 2) is linear
2007-01-30 08:36:25 · answer #3 · answered by 1988_Escort 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋