How to plot Ixt with monologarithmic scale and find linear fit

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around plotting experimental data from an RC circuit on a logarithmic scale and finding a linear fit for the graph. Participants explore methods for visualizing the current over time, specifically focusing on the use of logarithmic scaling on the vertical axis and the implications of fitting a linear model to the transformed data.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks guidance on plotting current data on a logarithmic scale using software tools like Origin, Mathematica, or MATLAB.
  • Another participant suggests that fitting a straight line to logarithmically transformed data may complicate the analysis and proposes using an exponential model instead, questioning whether this interpretation aligns with the original problem.
  • The original poster clarifies that they intend to plot raw data on a logarithmic scale without taking the logarithm of the values themselves, and expresses uncertainty about how to proceed with either method.
  • A later reply provides links to resources that may assist in the plotting process.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best approach to plot the data and find a linear fit. There are competing views on whether to use a logarithmic transformation or to fit an exponential model directly to the data.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights potential misunderstandings regarding the application of logarithmic scales and the fitting of models to data, but does not resolve these issues. The original poster's intent and the implications of the proposed methods remain unclear.

carlosbgois
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I have some experimental data of a simple RC circuit, which I measured in fixed time intervals the current through an microamperimeter, and now I need to make an [itex]i(t) × t[/itex] graph, with the vertical axis on a logarithmic scale (so my points fall into a 'straight' line), and then I need to find the linear fit for that.

Until now I was using Origin for creating all graphs I needed, but I only know the real basic stuff, and couldn't find my way on solving this particular problem. I also have Mathematica and MATLAB available, so if you do not know how to do that on Origin but know on any other software, it would also be helpful.

Thanks
 
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Hhhmmm...I think you are making matters more confusing by attempting to fit a "straight line" of numbers you have taken the log of...

...if you KNOW that your points follow exponential behavior, you should propose the form of the equation that should generate your points, then, determine the constants in such equation as to minimize the error with your data points (least squares).

does this make sense? or did I totally misunderstood your problem?
 
Thanks for your answer. I may not have been very clear, but I did not take the log of my number, I just need to plot the raw data in an logarithmic scale (only on the y axis), and then find the linear fit and plot also using that scale.

Your other alternative is also considerable, because I do have the exponential form for which my points theoretically corresponds. But either this way, I have no idea of how to do it.
 
Here are a couple of links, hope they help.

one
two
 

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