Physics

Problem

For a fixed pair of masses, a student wishes to obtain a straight-line graph so that the gravitational force data can be analysed easily. a. (i) The student can plot

F

against one of the following four quantities:

\displaystyle r,\; \dfrac{1}{r},\; \dfrac{1}{r^{2}},\; r^{2}

. Which choice will give a straight line? State your answer and give one reason. b. (ii) If the straight line obtained in part (i) has a slope of

3.20\times10^{-10}\,\text{N\,m}^{2}

, calculate the force that would act when the separation is

0.25\,\text{m}

. c. (iii) Describe one advantage of transforming curved data into a straight-line graph when analysing experimental results.

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