Finding Acceleration Using a Table: Small Graphing Question | Homework Help

[BayernBlues]

Homework Statement

I have a question for a graph where I'm basically trying to find the acceleration using a table which has a time squared value starting at 7.132 seconds squared and ending at 9.686 seconds squared. I need to find a regression (I need to find the slope for the line of best fit. This is the graph:

The first problem is the error bars. I got y error bars but when I click on format options for the excel graph, it doesn't show x bars options so how do I add error bars? And my other question is, how/should I add (0,0) to the graph because obviously the displacement is 0 m at 0 seconds but this wasn't conducted in the experiment so wouldn't it skew the slope of the line of best fit?

Homework Equations

Here's the relation:
y= mx + b --------> s(displacement) = 1/2 a(acceleration)*t^2(seconds squared)

and here's the table:

-(s)--------(t^2)
113.76-----7.132
123.56-----7.896
133.3------8.588
143.66-----9.321
152.9------9.686

The Attempt at a Solution

http://img106.imageshack.us/img106/2456/nettles1qb0.png

 

[BayernBlues]

Should I set 7.132 to be the x intercept?

 

[ogb p]

I would suggest approaching this problem by first understanding the concept of acceleration and how it relates to the displacement and time squared values in the table. In this case, the acceleration can be calculated by using the formula a = 2s/t^2, where s is the displacement and t^2 is the time squared.

Regarding the error bars, it is important to understand the source of the error and how it affects the data. If the error is due to measurement uncertainty, it is appropriate to include error bars in the graph to show the range of possible values. However, if the error is due to a systematic error or bias, it should be addressed and corrected before proceeding with the analysis.

In terms of adding (0,0) to the graph, it is not necessary to do so unless it is relevant to the data being presented. If the experiment was not conducted at 0 seconds, it would not be appropriate to include this point as it would not accurately reflect the data.

To find the slope of the line of best fit, I would recommend using a regression analysis tool in Excel. This will help to determine the best fit line and its slope, which can then be used to calculate the acceleration.

In summary, it is important to understand the concept and equations related to acceleration in order to accurately analyze the data and determine the acceleration. Additionally, it is important to address any sources of error and only include relevant data points in the graph.