I did a lab experiment where we verify Newtons second law experimentally.

A glider moves along a frictionless air track and is attached to a hanging mass. We vary the hanging masses and calculate the force since we have the mass and acceleration.

We have some questions to answer and i need help

If table wasn't level how would it affect the slope and the slope of the graph that was plotted force vs
acceleration.

If the table were tilted uphill, wouldn't then the force of gravity on the glider subtract from the applied force of the hanging weight? The slope would go down, as it accelerated slower.

IS it true that if the acceleration increases then the graph would have a steeper slope but if the acceleration decreased then the slope would flatten out.

If the table is not level, it will affect both the slope of the experimentally obtained force vs acceleration graph, as well as the slope of the inclined plane itself.

To understand how a non-level table would impact the slope of the graph, let's consider the setup. Typically, in this type of experiment, we measure the force applied to the glider by varying the hanging mass. We also measure the resulting acceleration of the glider by analyzing the motion of the glider on the air track.

When the table is not level, the gravitational force acting on the glider will no longer be purely vertical. Instead, it will have a component that is parallel to the inclined plane, causing the glider to experience a force that is not directly proportional to the hanging mass. This will lead to a deviation from the theoretical relationship between force and acceleration, resulting in a non-linear graph. Consequently, the slope of the force vs acceleration graph will not accurately represent Newton's second law, as it will be influenced by the inclined plane's angle and the non-vertical component of the gravitational force.

Similarly, the slope of the inclined plane itself (the physical slope of the table) will be affected. In an ideal scenario, the slope of the inclined plane would be constant. However, if the table is not level, the angle of the inclined plane will vary along its length. Consequently, the slope of the inclined plane may change, leading to variation in the gravitational force and affecting the glider's acceleration. This, in turn, will further contribute to the non-linearity of the force vs acceleration graph.

To mitigate these effects and obtain accurate results, it is crucial to ensure that the table is level before conducting the experiment. This can be achieved by using a level tool to adjust the table's position or by finding an area with a level surface for conducting the experiment.