PhysicsLAB: Graphical Relationships and Curve Fitting

This exercise requires the use of an EXCEL workbook with three worksheets. For each of the sets of data given, you will first identify the type of relationship being graphed: linear, power curve, inverse, and root curve. Then you will create the required third data column that will produce a line when graphed against the original x-values.

Hyperbolas (inverse relations) are rectified by plotting y vs 1/x.
Parabolas symmetric to the y-axis (power curves) are rectified by plotting y vs x².
Parabolas symmetric to the x-axis (root curves) are rectified by plotting y vs x .

Further information on each of these relationships is given on the page, Curve Fitting Patterns.

On each EXCEL worksheet, first plot the original data, and then plot the rectified data with a trend line. You will be asked to state the equation for the rectified line using the appropriate values for the slope and y-axis intercept as well as appropriate variables for the quantities being graphed. Please be aware that the equation for the rectified line is also the equation for the original data.

Each of your three worksheets will have two graphs and one data table. Remember that you must label each axis with the appropriate variable and its unit of measurement. A saved EXCEL file using the format

LastnameLastnameCurveFitting.xls

is required in your period folder as evidence of the completion of this assignment.

What is the title of your EXCEL file?

Refer to the following information for the next four questions.

What type of curve was produced when you graphed acceleration vs mass?

What quantity should replace "variable?" in the table above to rectify this curve to become a line?

What unit should replace "unit?" in the table above to rectify this curve to become a line?

After inputting and graphing the third data column in your EXCEL worksheet, what was the equation of your rectified line?

Refer to the following information for the next four questions.

What type of curve was produced when you graphed position vs time?

What quantity should replace "variable?" in the table above to rectify this curve to become a line?

What unit should replace "unit?" in the table above to rectify this curve to become a line?

After inputting and graphing the third data column in your EXCEL worksheet, what was the equation of your rectified line?

Refer to the following information for the next four questions.

What type of curve was produced when you graphed period vs mass?

What quantity should replace "variable?" in the table above to rectify this curve to become a line?

What unit should replace "unit?" in the table above to rectify this curve to become a line?

After inputting and graphing the third data column in your EXCEL worksheet, what was the equation of your rectified line?