Question

part 2: analyzing and interpreting graphs
use the 2 graphs below to answer the following questions:

1. what happens to gravity as the distance between objects increases? (use graph a)

1. describe the relationship between gravitational force and mass. (use graph b)

1. object a has a mass of 10 grams and object b has a mass of 5 grams. which object woulc

have a greater gravitational force? explain your thinking.

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze Graph A

Graph A shows the relationship between gravity and distance. As the distance increases (moving right along the x - axis), the value of gravity (y - axis) decreases.

Step2: Analyze Graph B

Graph B is a straight - line graph passing through the origin. In a graph of the form \(y = kx\) (where \(y\) is gravitational force and \(x\) is mass), when the graph is a straight line through the origin, it indicates a direct proportionality. So, gravitational force is directly proportional to mass.

Step3: Answer question 7

Since gravitational force is directly proportional to mass (from Graph B), and Object A has a larger mass (\(m_A=10\) grams) than Object B (\(m_B = 5\) grams). Using the relationship \(F = mg\) (where \(g\) is the acceleration due to gravity, constant in a given location), if \(g\) is the same for both objects (assuming they are in the same gravitational field), then \(F_A=10g\) and \(F_B = 5g\). So, Object A has a greater gravitational force.

Answer:

1. Gravity decreases as the distance between objects increases.
2. Gravitational force is directly proportional to mass.
3. Object A has a greater gravitational force. Since gravitational force \(F = mg\) (where \(g\) is constant for both objects in the same location) and \(m_A=10\) grams \(>m_B = 5\) grams, by the direct - proportionality relationship (from Graph B), \(F_A>F_B\).