Question

Cathy used an accelerometer and obtained a value of 11.235 m/s² for gravity. Her science textbook states that the value of gravity is 9.81 m/s². What can be said about Cathy's accelerometer reading?

a) It is lower than the textbook value.
b) It is higher than the textbook value.
c) It is accurate.
d) It cannot be determined.

Answer 1

Cathy's reading of 11.235 m/s² is higher than the average gravitational acceleration of 9.80 m/s², indicating her measurement is inaccurate.

Step-by-step explanation:

Cathy's accelerometer reading of 11.235 m/s² for gravity is higher than the textbook value of 9.81 m/s². Typically, the value of gravity is about 9.80 m/s², though this can vary slightly due to factors such as latitude, altitude, geological formations, and local topography. Given that 9.80 m/s² is considered the average value, Cathy's measurement is not accurate and is more likely influenced by additional forces or a calibration error in the accelerometer.