RP: investigating how mass affects acceleration

• What is the aim of the experiment described in the study material?

  To investigate the effect of varying the mass of an object on the acceleration produced by a constant force.
• What is the method used in the experiment to investigate mass and acceleration?

  • Use 100 g (0.98 N) of force for every run.
  • Add increasing numbers of slotted masses to the glider.
  • Record the total mass of the glider and hanging masses combined.
• What is the total mass of the glider when no mass is added?

  0.33 kg
• What is the acceleration of the glider in run 1 when 0.1 kg is added?

  1. 33 m/s²
• How does the acceleration change as more mass is added to the glider?

  Acceleration decreases as mass increases.
• What is the relationship between acceleration and mass based on the experiment's results?

  • Acceleration is inversely proportional to mass.
  • A graph of acceleration against \( \frac{1}{\text{mass}} \) should produce a straight line through the origin.
• What is the value of \( \frac{1}{\text{mass}} \) when 0.1 kg is added to the glider?

  10 kg⁻¹
• What should be plotted on the vertical and horizontal axes of the line graph?

  Acceleration on the vertical axis and \( \frac{1}{\text{mass}} \) on the horizontal axis.
• What does the evaluation section suggest about the results of the experiment?

  It suggests checking if all points lie on a straight line passing through the origin or if there are any anomalous points.
• What hazards are mentioned in the study material and their control measures?

  Hazards:

  • Electrical appliance faults
  • Falling masses/glider

  
  

  Control measures:

  • Check mains cable and plug before use.
  • Use relatively small masses and step back after releasing the glider.
• What is the consequence of an electrical fault in the experiment?

  Fire or shock.
• What is the consequence of masses or the glider falling to the floor?

  Bruise or fracture.
• What should be done to prevent objects from falling on feet during the experiment?

  Use relatively small masses and step back after releasing the glider.
• What are the key components of the experiment's results table?

  • Mass added to glider (kg)
  • Total mass (kg)
  • \( \frac{1}{\text{mass}} \)
  • Acceleration for each run (m/s²)
  • Mean acceleration