Note: See U1-GMSummary document attached below for help with linearizing data.

"Rules of Thumb" to follow for any physics lab:

• Change only one independent variable at a time.
• Repeat trials at least three times, to be sure of consistent data.
• Collect at least six different ordered pairs (6 pairs x 3 trials = 18 pieces of data)
• Make the range of your data as large as is possible without risking damage to equipment or people.
  
• Test-plot your data, produce a curve-fit, try to linearize it (not always possible), before you leave the classroom.
• After you have a linear graph, consider the "ten-percent rule." If your intercept is 10% or less of the slope of the graph, it may be irrelevant (your graph might need to be "forced" through the origin).