PhysicsLAB: Test Scenario: Inertial Mass

Refer to the following information for the next ten questions.

Given below is a vibration graph of an empty inertial balance.

Given below is a vibration graph of an inertial balance loaded with an unknown cylinder.

1. Complete the following data chart using ONLY information from the light blue highlighted sections on each graph.

When all of the data for T² for mass alone vs Mass was entered into EXCEL and graphed, the following graph was obtained.

2. State the co-ordinates of two grid points through which the trend line passes and calculate the slope of the graph’s trend line.

3. Calculate the y-intercept of this trend line (include units).

4. Write the equation of the trend line in y = mx + b form using the numerical values from 2 and 3 and the correct variables from the experiment.

5. Using the equation in Question #4, calculate the mass for the unknown cylinder in kilograms.

6. If the cylinder’s mass was measured to be 502 grams using a triple beam balance, what was the group’s percent error?

7. Define the terms “inertial mass” and “gravitational mass.”

8. (a) Which type of balance would be used to measure an object's gravitational mass?

triple beam balanceinertial balance

8. (b) Which instrument’s measurement is considered a static measurement?

triple beam balanceinertial balance

8. (c) Do we need to continue distinguishing these two terms or are they equivalent measurements of an object's mass?