Popping Popcorn Lab

PROBLEM: What is the relationship between mass and number of Kernels of popcorn?

PROCEDURE:

  1. Weigh the container that will be holding the kernels on the balance and record this mass above data table. Remember, to calculate the mass of the kernels you will need to subtract the mass of the container every time.

  2. Place 50 kernels in the container and then use the balance to find the mass.

  3. Subtract the mass of the container and record the mass of the kernels in the data table.

  4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 for 100, 150, 200, 250, and 300 kernels

DATA TABLE 1

Mass of empty container =____________g

# of kernels (x)

Total Mass of kernels + container

  - container = mass of kernels (y)
50      
100      
150      
200      
250      
300      

MODEL FORMATION: GRAPH: MASS (Y) VS. Number (X)  of popcorn kernels

CHECK OF THE MODEL: Use your graph to predict how much 167 kernels will weigh

Predicted mass of 167 kernels = __________(show work - extrapolation - on graph)

Actual mass of 167 kernels (from balance) =____________ - ______________ = ______________

                                                                                (subtract the mass of the container)

Difference (subtract)  between Predicted and Actual Mass =________________________

 

 

 

Questions:

1. Describe the trend line for this graph.

 

2. Explain in writing how you use your graph to predict the mass of 220 kernels.

 

3. On your graph show how much 220 kernels will weigh by putting solid lines with arrows (extrapolation) showing the direction on your graph.

4. If you had your original container, with kernels in it, that weighed 38.6 grams how many kernels are in the container, show your work on the graph (extrapolation). Don't forget to subtract the weight of your original container, show the subtraction here!

 

5. Would it be possible to predict how many grams 1015 kernels would weigh on your graph? Why or why not?

 

 

6. Could (0,0) be one of the points on your graph, explain?

 

Questions 7-11 can only be answered after we have done the model notes.

*7. What is the general equation of your trend line?

*8.  What is the b value for your equation?

*9. Calculate the slope (m)

*10. Write the mathematical equation of your trend line.

 

*11. Use your mathematical equation to predict the mass (Y) in grams of 1015 kernels (x).