For a fixed pair of masses

PHYSICS · Multi-part · CBSE · Physics · Gravitation · Gravitation

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. (i) The student can plot FF against one of the following four quantities: r,  1r,  1r2,  r2\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. (ii) If the straight line obtained in part (i) has a slope of 3.20×10−10 N m23.20\times10^{-10}\,\text{N\,m}^{2}, calculate the force that would act when the separation is 0.25 m0.25\,\text{m}. (iii) Describe one advantage of transforming curved data into a straight-line graph when analysing experimental results.

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