Problem: On another planet, an experiment is performed in order to determine the acceleration of gravity at the surface. A platform that can be adjusted to different heights is set on the horizontal ground. A ramp is attached to the top of the platform; the lower end of the ramp has a flat section as shown.
First, multiple trials are done to show that, if the ball is released from rest at the top of the ramp, the speed of the ball at the bottom of the ramp is about 1.26 m/s. Then the height H of-the bottom of the ramp is adjusted to the five values shown in the above data table. For each height H, the ball is released from rest and becomes a projectile at the bottom of the ramp. The horizontal distance D that the ball travels as a projectile is recorded.
Q1. What quantities must be plotted in order to yield a straight-line relationship for the graph? Explain your reasoning. Fill those quantities in the right table above.
Q2. Plot the two quantities on the grid to the right. Label each axis with a symbol, units, and scale. Draw a best-fit line.
Q3. Use the slope of the best-fit line to calculate the acceleration of gravity on this planet. Make sure you clearly show what the value of the slope is and how it was used.