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PHYSICS, M5 2016 HSC 25

Two teams carried out independent experiments with the purpose of investigating Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation. Each team used the same procedure to accurately measure the gravitational force acting between two spherical masses over a range of distances.

The following graphs show the data collected by each team.
 

 

  1. Compare qualitatively the relationship between force and distance in the graphs.   (2 marks)
  1. Assess the appropriateness of Team A's data and Team B's data in achieving the purpose of the experiments.   (3 marks)
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a.    Force vs Distance relationship:

→ Both graphs show that as distance between the centres of masses increases, force increases.

→ Team A’s data shows that the force between masses is inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them.

→ Team B’s data shows that force decreases at a constant rate.
 

b.   Data appropriateness:

→ Team A’s data set uses a good range of distances however it is inappropriate as it incorporates too few measurements for a valid relationship to be determined.

→ Team B’s data set is inappropriate as it does not incorporate a sufficient range of distances to determine a valid relationship although it has a sufficient number of measurements.

Show Worked Solution

a.    Force vs Distance relationship:

→ Both graphs show that as distance between the centres of masses increases, force increases.

→ Team A’s data shows that the force between masses is inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them.

→ Team B’s data shows that force decreases at a constant rate.
 

b.   Data appropriateness:

→ Team A’s data set uses a good range of distances however it is inappropriate as it incorporates too few measurements for a valid relationship to be determined.

→ Team B’s data set is inappropriate as it does not incorporate a sufficient range of distances to determine a valid relationship although it has a sufficient number of measurements.


Mean mark (b) 56%.

PHYSICS, M5 2021 HSC 14 MC

Which of the following statements correctly describes the gravitational interaction between the Earth and the Moon?

  1. The Earth accelerates towards the Moon.
  2. The net force acting on the Earth is zero.
  3. The Moon and Earth experience equal and opposite accelerations.
  4. The force acting on the Moon is smaller than the force acting on the Earth.
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`A`

Show Worked Solution

→ According to Newton’s Third Law, the earth and moon experience equal forces in opposite directions. This causes them to accelerate towards each other.

`=>A`


♦ Mean mark 19%.