Labs and Graphical Analysis

"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).

  • See the videos below for examples of what to do, including basics of how to linearize the data.