Question

A space probe lands on the icy surface of Europa, a moon of Jupiter. It weighs a set of known masses. The results are shown below.

Mass (kg) 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5
Weight (N) 0.15 0.30 0.36 0.55 0.68

a) i) Plot a graph of this data on the axes given (done)

ii) Use your graph to estimate the gravitional field strength at Europa's surface.

b) Suggest why several masses were weighed, not just one.

Answer 1

I can't think of a good reason for making more than one measurement. There should be a linear relationship between mass and weight, unless the scale is unreliable.

A least-squares "regression" best fit to the data in the chart should lead to a more accurate value of the slope, which will be the value of the acceleration of gravity at that moon's surface.

Answer 2

Ok, thank you. I was wondering if the several masses had something to do with the surface being ice?

Answer 3

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