- #1
Jimmy87
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Homework Statement
Figure 2.2 (attached) shows a graph of distance against time squared for a ball bearing falling through the air. In accordance with s = ut + 1/2 a t^2 the graph should be a straight line through the origin. Explain how a systematic error in s and t could lead to the graph not going through the origin and state what effect, if any, each would have on the gradient.
Homework Equations
s = ut + 1/2 a t^2
The Attempt at a Solution
So I have said if 's' has the systematic error then the plotted values for 's' are too small and if the error was in 't' then the plotted values are too big. The gradient wouldn't change if 's' has the error as they would all shift by the same amount. If the error was in 't' then the gradient must change because t^2 is plotted so a constant error in t would lead to an increasing error in t^2. I said the gradient would get shallower but the answer says it should get steeper and I don't get why (unless the answer is wrong). If the error in t^2 gets bigger (which the answer also says) then each plot on the graph would shift to the right but by an increasing amount as you consider higher values so surely this is a shallower gradient? For example, let's say the first plotted value shifts right by 1 small square, the second by 2 small squares and so on then the gradient decreases?