Questions: Why is the y-intercept set to zero when graphing mass versus volume for density determination? To ensure mass is constant Because no mass should correspond to no volume To correct experimental errors To simplify the equation

Why is the y-intercept set to zero when graphing mass versus volume for density determination?
To ensure mass is constant
Because no mass should correspond to no volume
To correct experimental errors
To simplify the equation

Transcript text: Why is the $y$-intercept set to zero when graphing mass versus volume for density determination? To ensure mass is constant Because no mass should correspond to no volume To correct experimental errors To simplify the equation

Solution

Solution Steps

Step 1: Understanding the Relationship Between Mass and Volume

When determining density, the relationship between mass and volume is typically linear, described by the equation $ m = \rho V $, where $ m $ is mass, $ \rho $ is density, and $ V $ is volume. This equation implies that the mass is directly proportional to the volume.

Step 2: Analyzing the Role of the $y$-Intercept

In the context of graphing mass versus volume, the $y$-intercept represents the mass when the volume is zero. Physically, if there is no volume, there should be no mass, which means the $y$-intercept should be zero. This aligns with the principle that mass is a function of volume, and without volume, there should be no mass.

Step 3: Evaluating the Options

To ensure mass is constant: This is incorrect because mass is not constant; it changes with volume.
Because no mass should correspond to no volume: This is correct as it reflects the physical reality that zero volume should result in zero mass.
To correct experimental errors: This is not the primary reason for setting the $y$-intercept to zero.
To simplify the equation: While setting the intercept to zero simplifies the equation, it is not the primary reason.