Slope of weight vs. mass graph gives planetary g

Steps:

• Recall that weight $W = m g$, where $g$ is acceleration due to gravity.
• The graph of $W$ vs. $m$ is a straight line through the origin with slope equal to $g$.
• Determine the slope by selecting two points on the line and computing $\Delta W / \Delta m$.
• The slope calculates to 1.6 N/kg, equivalent to 1.6 m/s², so $g = 1.6$ m/s².

Why B is correct:

• By Newton's law, $W = mg$, so the slope directly measures $g$ in m/s².

Why the others are wrong:

• A: Slope is steeper than 0.6 m/s².
• C: Slope is shallower than 3 m/s².
• D: Matches Earth's g, not this planet's.

Final answer: B