Why Should the Line of Best Fit for a Spring Constant Lab Pass Through (0,0)?

In summary, the students did a spring constant lab where they hung a spring and added weights to measure displacement. They then created a graph and found the slope, followed by finding the line of best fit. The instructor asked if it made sense for the line to pass through the origin, and the student was unsure but noted that the relationship between the variables is represented by the formula Y=mX+C. The instructor then asked for the values of Y, m, X, and C and if it resembled a known formula.
  • #1
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Homework Statement


we did a spring constant lab in school, we took a hanging spring and added weights to it, measuring displacement with each new weight. we were then instructed to create a graph and find the slope. i did that. then we were instructed to find the line of best fit. my line was linear. then the instructor as asked us a question about the graph: does it make sense that your line of best fit for your data pass through (0,0)? why or why not??


Homework Equations


hookes law

The Attempt at a Solution


well i think it doesn't make sense to pass through the origin, but I am not sure why
 
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  • #2
Well, since you have a graph drawn out. And you obtained a straight line, the relationship between the 2 variable must be Y=mX+C.

What is your Y, m,X and C?

Does it look like certain formula you have seen before?

delzac
 

FAQ: Why Should the Line of Best Fit for a Spring Constant Lab Pass Through (0,0)?

What is the spring constant and how is it calculated?

The spring constant, also known as the force constant, is a measure of the stiffness of a spring. It is calculated by dividing the force applied to the spring by the displacement caused by that force.

How does the spring constant affect the behavior of a spring?

The spring constant determines how much force is required to stretch or compress a spring, as well as how much the spring will stretch or compress for a given amount of force. A higher spring constant means a stiffer spring, while a lower spring constant means a more flexible spring.

What factors can affect the spring constant?

The spring constant can be affected by the material and shape of the spring, as well as the number of coils and the diameter of the spring. Temperature and external forces can also alter the spring constant.

How is the spring constant used in real-world applications?

The spring constant is used in many real-world applications, such as in springs used in car suspensions, pogo sticks, and trampolines. It is also important in industries like manufacturing and engineering, where springs are used in various mechanical systems.

Is the spring constant always constant?

No, the spring constant can change if the spring is stretched or compressed beyond its elastic limit, or if the temperature or external forces change. However, for small displacements and within the elastic limit, the spring constant remains constant.

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