Introductory Physics I - PHYS 200 | Lab 1: Graphical Analysis COMPLETE
UPDATE NEW VERSION Athabasca University
Lab 1: Graphical Analysis
Physics 200, Athabasca University
, Introduction
Scientific studies and experiments aim to explore the relationships between physical
quantities, which are categorized as independent and dependent variables. Independent
variables remain unaffected by other factors in the study, while dependent variables vary based
on changes in the independent variable(s). Dependent variables are also the focus of
measurement or testing within an experiment.
Once these variables are identified and the dependent variable is measured, the data
can be organized into tables and graphs to discern patterns and observe the effects of the
independent variable on the dependent variable. Typically, the independent variable is
represented on the x- axis, while the dependent variable is placed on the y-axis.
When plotted on a graph, the data points often exhibit a linear pattern, which can be
quantified using the linear function: y = mx + b. Here, 'm' represents the slope, indicating the
rate of change in 'y' for every change in 'x' (rise/run = Δy/Δx). The y-intercept of the linear
equation, denoted by 'b', signifies the value of 'y' when 'x' is 0.
Procedure
During a trip a friend and I took from Calgary to Edmonton I decided to keep myself
busy by keeping a record of the distance travelled versus the time. While waiting for the last
traffic light to turn green on the outskirts of Calgary, I reset the odometer to zero. When the
light turned green, I started timing the trip with a stopwatch. Every ten minutes I recorded the
odometer reading. Since the odometer gave the distance within 100m, I estimated the
uncertainty to b +/- 0.1km, and I estimated a 12 second timing (+/- 0.2min) error even though I
did my best to take the readings at 10 minute intervals.
UPDATE NEW VERSION Athabasca University
Lab 1: Graphical Analysis
Physics 200, Athabasca University
, Introduction
Scientific studies and experiments aim to explore the relationships between physical
quantities, which are categorized as independent and dependent variables. Independent
variables remain unaffected by other factors in the study, while dependent variables vary based
on changes in the independent variable(s). Dependent variables are also the focus of
measurement or testing within an experiment.
Once these variables are identified and the dependent variable is measured, the data
can be organized into tables and graphs to discern patterns and observe the effects of the
independent variable on the dependent variable. Typically, the independent variable is
represented on the x- axis, while the dependent variable is placed on the y-axis.
When plotted on a graph, the data points often exhibit a linear pattern, which can be
quantified using the linear function: y = mx + b. Here, 'm' represents the slope, indicating the
rate of change in 'y' for every change in 'x' (rise/run = Δy/Δx). The y-intercept of the linear
equation, denoted by 'b', signifies the value of 'y' when 'x' is 0.
Procedure
During a trip a friend and I took from Calgary to Edmonton I decided to keep myself
busy by keeping a record of the distance travelled versus the time. While waiting for the last
traffic light to turn green on the outskirts of Calgary, I reset the odometer to zero. When the
light turned green, I started timing the trip with a stopwatch. Every ten minutes I recorded the
odometer reading. Since the odometer gave the distance within 100m, I estimated the
uncertainty to b +/- 0.1km, and I estimated a 12 second timing (+/- 0.2min) error even though I
did my best to take the readings at 10 minute intervals.
