Graphing question with Springs and Energy?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the correct graphing conventions for determining the spring constant using Hooke's Law. Participants debate whether to plot Length versus Weight or Weight versus Length. The consensus indicates that while both methods are valid, plotting Force (F) versus displacement (x) provides a direct representation of the spring constant (k) as the slope of the line. This approach simplifies the interpretation of the relationship between force and displacement in the context of Hooke's Law.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Hooke's Law and its formula F = kx
  • Familiarity with graphing conventions in physics
  • Knowledge of independent and dependent variables
  • Basic skills in interpreting linear equations and slopes
NEXT STEPS
  • Research how to derive the spring constant using Force versus displacement graphs
  • Explore the implications of graphing conventions in experimental physics
  • Learn about the applications of Hooke's Law in real-world scenarios
  • Investigate the significance of slope in linear relationships in physics
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, educators, and anyone involved in experimental mechanics or spring dynamics will benefit from this discussion.

lu6cifer
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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?
 
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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.
 

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