Graphing Force and acceleration basics

[rygza]

This is for a pre-lab. I'm given three points for force and acceleration:

F(Newtons): 19.1, 24.5, 28.2
a(m/s^2): 127.2, 162.1, 185.9

Problem:
I'm supposed to relate y = mx + b to the equation F = ma
and I'm assuming then to use this to draw a line through the points.

instructor has: net force = m(sub T) * a + F(sub w)
i'm not sure what the m(sub T) is, it may even be (sub perpendicular)?

so far i only know that mass is the slope of the line, so i have m = (Fmax - Fmin)/(amax - amin)

if anyone know how i should go about this please help me out.

 

[jbsteele]

Solution:Yes, you are correct that the slope of the line is equal to the mass. You can use the equation y = mx + b to represent the equation F = ma. In this case, y will represent the force (F), m will represent the mass (m), x will represent the acceleration (a), and b will represent the net force (Fw). The equation for the line of best fit through the given points would be:F = m*a + Fwwhere m = (Fmax - Fmin)/(amax - amin), and Fw is the net force.To calculate Fw, you can use the point-slope form of the equation:F - Fmin = m*(a - amin)Rearrange this equation to solve for Fw:Fw = F - m*a + m*amin