Different amounts of force are applied to the same boat over several trials, and the acceleration is measured. In a graph of acceleration versus net force, what does the slope of the graph represent? (1 point) Responses the inverse of the mass of the boat the inverse of the mass of the boat the speed of the boat the speed of the boat the mass of the boat the mass of the boat the inverse of the speed of the boat

Answer 1

The slope of a graph of acceleration versus net force represents the inverse of the mass of the boat. This relationship is described by Newton's second law of motion, which states that \( F = ma \) (force equals mass times acceleration). When rearranging this equation, acceleration \( a \) can be expressed as \( a = \frac{F}{m} \), indicating that the slope (which is \( \frac{a}{F} \)) is equal to \( \frac{1}{m} \). Thus, the correct response is:

the inverse of the mass of the boat.