MYP Physics · 03 · data analysis
Finding cart mass from force data
Forces · Original GioPhysics question with a detailed, mark-by-mark answer guide.
- Demand
- demanding
- Marks
- 8
- Topics
- 2
- Answer
- Complete
Applied force and measured acceleration
The plotted points reproduce the two columns of the question table, in the original units.
Vertical axis (y): Acceleration / m s⁻²
Horizontal axis (x): Applied force / N
Read the exact data as a table
| Applied force / N | Acceleration / m s⁻² |
|---|---|
| 1 | 0.2 |
| 2 | 0.6 |
| 3 | 1 |
| 4 | 1.4 |
| 5 | 1.8 |
These are the supplied values, not a worked answer. No fitted trend is drawn.
A cart is pulled along a horizontal track. The same resistive force acts in every run.
| Applied force / N | Acceleration / m s⁻² |
|---|---|
| 1.0 | 0.20 |
| 2.0 | 0.60 |
| 3.0 | 1.00 |
| 4.0 | 1.40 |
| 5.0 | 1.80 |
- a
Determine Use the change across the data to determine the cart's mass. Show how the units support your answer.
3 marks - b
Calculate Use one data row to calculate the resistive force.
3 marks - c
Explain Explain why a graph of applied force against acceleration would not pass through the origin.
2 marks
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a
Determine Use the change across the data to determine the cart's mass. Show how the units support your answer.
Read the data before explaining it. Quote the relevant values or trend, show the comparison or calculation, and then connect that numerical evidence to the physical conclusion—including uncertainty or anomalies when they matter.
- 1
Finds slope ΔF ÷ Δa = (5.0 − 1.0) ÷ (1.80 − 0.20).
- 2
Obtains mass = 2.5 kg from F = ma.
- 3
Recognises N per m s⁻² is equivalent to kg.
b
Calculate Use one data row to calculate the resistive force.
Read the data before explaining it. Quote the relevant values or trend, show the comparison or calculation, and then connect that numerical evidence to the physical conclusion—including uncertainty or anomalies when they matter.
- 1
Uses applied force − resistive force = ma.
- 2
For example, at 3.0 N calculates ma = 2.5 × 1.00 = 2.5 N.
- 3
Obtains resistive force = 0.50 N, opposing the motion.
c
Explain Explain why a graph of applied force against acceleration would not pass through the origin.
Read the data before explaining it. Quote the relevant values or trend, show the comparison or calculation, and then connect that numerical evidence to the physical conclusion—including uncertainty or anomalies when they matter.
- 1
The applied force must first balance the approximately constant resistive force.
- 2
Therefore zero acceleration occurs at a non-zero applied force of about 0.50 N.
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