Q: If the mass of the candle after burning for $$55$$ minutes is calculated using the equation $$y = 9.65 - 0.05x$$, what is the mass of the candle?

$$y = 9.65 - 0.05 \times 55 = 6.90\ \mathrm{g}$$

Q: If the mass of the candle after $$70$$ minutes is calculated using $$y = 9.65 - 0.05x$$, what is the mass?

$$y = 9.65 - 0.05 \times 70 = 6.15\ \mathrm{g}$$

Q: A student uses the equation $$y = 9.65 - 0.05x to $$predict the mass of the candle after $$10$$ minutes. What is the predicted mass?

$$y = 9.65 - 0.05 \times 10 = 9.15\ \mathrm{g}$$

Question 1

A student measures the mass of a candle at different time intervals as it burns. The mass decreases linearly over time. If the initial mass of the candle is $$9.65\ \mathrm{g}$$ and the rate of mass loss is $$0.05\ \mathrm{g/min}$$, which equation best represents the mass of the candle ($$y) as a $$function of time ($$x) in $$minutes?

Accepted Answer

$$y = 9.65 - 0.05x$$

Question 2

If the mass of the candle after burning for $$55$$ minutes is calculated using the equation $$y = 9.65 - 0.05x$$, what is the mass of the candle?

Accepted Answer

$$y = 9.65 - 0.05 	imes 55 = 6.90\ \mathrm{g}$$

Question 3

Given the linear equation $$y = 9.65 - 0.05x$$, what is the physical meaning of the slope $$-0.05 in $$the context of the experiment?

Accepted Answer

The rate at which the candle loses mass per minute.

Question 4

If the starting mass of the candle is $$9.65\ \mathrm{g}$$ and the final mass is $$2.0\ \mathrm{g}$$, how long will it take for the candle to burn down to $$2.0\ \mathrm{g}$$? Use the equation $$y = 9.65 - 0.05x$$ and solve for $$x.$$

Accepted Answer

$$x = \frac{9.65 - 2.0}{0.05} = 153\ \mathrm{min}$$

Question 5

A student plots the mass of the candle versus time and obtains a straight line. What does the linearity of the graph indicate about the burning process?

Accepted Answer

The candle burns at a constant rate.

Question 6

If the mass of the candle after $$70$$ minutes is calculated using $$y = 9.65 - 0.05x$$, what is the mass?

Accepted Answer

$$y = 9.65 - 0.05 	imes 70 = 6.15\ \mathrm{g}$$

Question 7

Which of the following best describes the dependent variable in the candle burning experiment?

Accepted Answer

Mass of the candle

Question 8

If the mass of the candle after $$5$$ minutes is $$9.40\ \mathrm{g}$$, what is the average rate of mass loss per minute over the first $$5$$ minutes?

Accepted Answer

$$\frac{9.65 - 9.40}{5} = 0.05\ \mathrm{g/min}$$

Question 9

A student uses the equation $$y = 9.65 - 0.05x to $$predict the mass of the candle after $$10$$ minutes. What is the predicted mass?

Accepted Answer

$$y = 9.65 - 0.05 	imes 10 = 9.15\ \mathrm{g}$$

Question 10

If the mass of the candle is measured every $$10$$ minutes and plotted against time, what type of graph would best represent the data?

Accepted Answer

A straight line with a negative slope

Question 11

If the rate of mass loss changes to $$0.08\ \mathrm{g/min}$$, how long will it take for the candle to burn from $$9.65\ \mathrm{g} to$$ $$2.0\ \mathrm{g}$$?

Accepted Answer

$$x = \frac{9.65 - 2.0}{0.08} = 95.6\ \mathrm{min}$$

Question 12

Why is it important to subtract the mass of the weighing paper when determining the mass of the candle?

Accepted Answer

To ensure the measurement reflects only the candle's mass

Question 13

If a student accidentally records the mass of the candle plus weighing paper instead of just the candle, how will this affect the calculated rate of mass loss?

Accepted Answer

The rate will be underestimated because the mass difference is smaller

Question 14

Which of the following is a possible source of error in the candle burning experiment?

Accepted Answer

Air currents affecting the burning rate

Question 15

If the mass of the candle after $$20$$ minutes is $$8.65\ \mathrm{g}$$, what is the total mass lost?

Accepted Answer

$$9.65 - 8.65 = 1.00\ \mathrm{g}$$

Question 16

If the mass of the candle after $$30$$ minutes is $$8.15\ \mathrm{g}$$, what is the average rate of mass loss per minute over the first $$30$$ minutes?

Accepted Answer

$$\frac{9.65 - 8.15}{30} = 0.05\ \mathrm{g/min}$$

Question 17

If the mass of the candle after $$50$$ minutes is $$7.15\ \mathrm{g}$$, what is the total mass lost?

Accepted Answer

$$9.65 - 7.15 = 2.50\ \mathrm{g}$$

Question 18

If the mass of the candle after $$5$$ minutes is $$9.40\ \mathrm{g}$$ and after $$10$$ minutes is $$9.15\ \mathrm{g}$$, what is the rate of mass loss between these two intervals?

Accepted Answer

$$\frac{9.40 - 9.15}{10 - 5} = 0.05\ \mathrm{g/min}$$

Experiment 1: Preparing Graphs – Candle Mass Loss Over Time

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards