Graphing question with Springs and Energy?

[lu6cifer]

Let's say there's a lab where one hangs weights off a spring, and graphs the length and weight to find the spring constant.


Graphs have the independent variable--weight in this case--on the x axis, and the dependent variable--length--on the y axis. So, by that method, the graph should be Length vs Weight

But when I learned about Hooke's law and whatnot, I saw that the graphs were Weight vs Length, because of F = kx

Which way is the correct convention?

 

[Doc Al]

I think it would be easier if you plotted F versus x. That way the slope of the line would equal k. But it doesn't really matter. If you plotted x versus F, the equation of the line would be x = (1/k)F, so the slope would equal 1/k.

 

[astrokreng]

it is important to understand that there are different conventions and approaches to graphing data. In the case of a spring experiment, it is common to see both types of graphs, with either weight or length as the independent variable. Ultimately, the choice of which variable to place on the x axis depends on the purpose of the graph and the research question being addressed.

If the goal is to determine the relationship between weight and length and find the spring constant, it may be more appropriate to have weight as the independent variable and length as the dependent variable, as this aligns with Hooke's law. However, if the focus is on the physical properties of the spring itself, such as its elasticity or stiffness, it may be more useful to have length as the independent variable and weight as the dependent variable.

Ultimately, the most important aspect is to clearly label and explain the variables on the graph and the purpose of the experiment. This will ensure that the results are accurately represented and can be interpreted correctly.