Finding the Best fitting curve for a graph?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on determining the best fitting curve for experimental data regarding the absorption of Polyacrylic acid at varying salinities. The trials conducted revealed specific absorption values at salinities of 0M, 0.25M, 0.5M, 0.75M, and 1M, with the original mass of the polymer being 3g. The participant expressed uncertainty about the appropriate function to describe the data and emphasized the need for additional data points, particularly at low salinities, to avoid inaccurate conclusions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of curve fitting techniques
  • Familiarity with experimental data analysis
  • Knowledge of Polyacrylic acid properties
  • Basic statistical analysis skills
NEXT STEPS
  • Research polynomial regression techniques for curve fitting
  • Explore software tools like MATLAB or Python's SciPy for data analysis
  • Learn about the significance of data point density in experimental results
  • Investigate the impact of salinity on polymer absorption characteristics
USEFUL FOR

Researchers, chemists, and data analysts involved in polymer studies or experimental design who seek to accurately model and interpret absorption data.

Ascleipus
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Hi, I m unsure whether or not this should perhaps be in the homework forum, however one might say this is more of a technical issue. I recently conducted an experiment for a report I intend to write up promptly, and I wanted to find the best fitting curve for these values. I tested how different salinities affect the degree of absorption of Polyacrylic acid. This is what I found
Trial 1 Trial 2
Salinity 0M 558g 533g
0.25M 95g 93g
0.5M 79g 79g
0.75M 63g 67g
1M 54g 60g

original mass of the polymer was 3g.

Essentially what I would love to find out is how I might be able to get a best fit curve for this graph.

Help would be much appreciated:smile:
 
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I don't see how to do it without knowing a priori what kind of function described the dependence. Apparently at low salinities the result is extremely dependent on the concentration, so you would need much more data points to cover this area to be able to suggest something that would be not just a wild guess.
 

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