For each data point in the table, calculate the ratio of gravitational force to mass. what are the ratios and what do you notice? number of washers total mass total force ratio 1 0.6 kg 5.9 n ? 2 1.2 kg 11.8 n ? 3 1.8 kg 17.6 n ? 4 2.5 kg 24.5 n ? 5 3.2 kg 31.4 n ?

Number of Washers . . . Total Mass . . . Total Force . . . Ratio

1 0.6 kg 5.9 N 9.83 N/kg

2 1.2 kg 11.8 N 9.83 N/kg

3 1.8 kg 17.6 N 9.78 N/kg

4 2.5 kg 24.5 N 9.80 N/kg  

5 3.2 kg 31.4 N 9.81 N/kg

The ratios are listed in the table.  

The ratio seems to be constant, and not depend on the number of washers or the total mass.  It's always about 9.8 Newtons per kilogram of mass.  There must be something special about that number.

the answer is b, have negligible mass