Question 5.1: How does the applied force affect the acceleration of the block when connected to different mass pieces?
Question 5.2: The graph does not pass through the origin because there is a non-zero force required to overcome the static friction between the block and the surface, even when no external force is applied.
Question 5.3: By looking at the graph, we can determine the kinetic frictional force as the y-intercept of the line where the applied force is zero.
Question 5.4: The gradient of the graph represents the mass of the block times the acceleration.
Question 5.5: By calculating the gradient of the graph, we can determine the mass of the block by dividing the gradient by the acceleration.
Two learners are investigating the relationship between the applied force and the acceleration of the block that is initially at REST on the horizontal surface. The block is attached to different mass pieces (M) by a small inextensible string with a negligible tension passing over a frictionless pulley as shown below.
Figure 7: Diagram showing two blocks connected by a string.
The learners repeat the experiment several times using different mass pieces (M) and calculate the acceleration of the block. They plot the following graph from their results:
TOTAL: 13
13
Figure 8: Graph of acceleration vs FT.
Question 5.1 [2 marks]
Write an investigative question for the above experiment.
Question 5.2 [1 mark]
Give a reason why the graph does not pass through the origin.
Question 5.3 [1 mark]
Use the graph to determine the value of the kinetic frictional force between the block and the surface of the table.
Question 5.4 [2 marks]
Calculate the gradient of the graph.
Question 5.5 [2 marks]
Hence, calculate the mass of the block.
1 answer