Below is sample data from the 124 Lab Experiment on Torque (Exercise #1)

which uses graphical methods and linear regression techniques to analyze the
recorded data.




The above image shows the experimental setup of Exercise #1 of this experiment. We varied the mass of
m2 and repositioned the third mass (r3) until static equilibrium was achieved. All other parameters were
known.
This situation is governed by the following equation:


We recorded the increase of the mass of m2 and the magnitude of the position vector, r3. The recorded
data was stored in an Excel spreadsheet. I defined the following constants (Insert >> Name >> Define) in
the Excel application for to make my calculations easier. (hone, htwo and hthree are the mass of the clip
hangers.)


The collected data is displayed in the gray cells below. The data in the unshaded cells is necessary for a
linear regression analysis of the data. See my web page on linear regression for more information about
this technique.
Lab 124
Torque

Sample Data
Pgina 1 de 3 Lab 124 -- Torque Sample Data
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When the data is plotted using the Excel graphing program and a trendline is fit to the data, the following
plot is returned:


When applying the linear regression treatment to the recorded data, we see that the slope and y-intercept
as returned by the computer plotting program is identical to that of the linear regression treatment!
Surprise! Surprise! What does this tell you about the method the Excel graphing routine uses to compute
the slope and y-intercept of a linear trendline?



When compared to the theoretical slope and y-intercept values (see equation at the top of this page), the
experimental values were right on target!

Pgina 2 de 3 Lab 124 -- Torque Sample Data
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Students should show their work, even when using a spreadsheet to perform their calculations. This way
the lab instructor can determine where you are making your mistakes. To show your work, simply click on
the cell containing the Excel formula. Then highlight and copy everything to the right of the equal sign. (Be
sure to then hit enter to exit the cell otherwise you will change the formula!) Then paste the copied formula
in a blank cell to show the TA which formulas you used. Below is an example of how I would have
displayed the sample formulae.



If you have a question or comment, send an e-mail to Jerry Hester, Physics Laboratory Director.






Copyright 2000, Clemson University. All Rights Reserved.
Last Modified on 11/30/2010 12:38:04
This page was created by Chris D. Odom





Pgina 3 de 3 Lab 124 -- Torque Sample Data
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