MHB What is the meaning of FWHMP and Q in my lab data?

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FWHMP stands for Full Width at Half Maximum, a common measurement in physics that can be calculated using various programming languages, including MATLAB. To estimate FWHMP on a graph, one would typically look for the width of the curve at half its maximum height. The term "Q" can refer to different concepts depending on the context, often related to the behavior of oscillators and the width of frequency response curves. It is linked to the damping coefficient, with the relationship Q = 1/(2⋅ζ). Understanding these concepts is essential for analyzing lab data effectively.
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View attachment 3986

During lab I obtained the data in the attached photo.
It then asked for me to plot the data and get an estimated FWHMP as well as a "Q"
First question is what does FWHMP and Q stand for?
Second, where on my graph would I estimate these?

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Logan Land said:
First question is what does FWHMP and Q stand for?
Second, where on my graph would I estimate these?
Except the trailing "P", FWHM stands for Full Width at Half Maxima. Here is a good Wikipedia article about it:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Full_width_at_half_maximum

FWHM can be calculated, for instance, in MATLAB using this function file: https://www.mathworks.com/matlabcentral/fileexchange/10590-fwhm

Other programming languages that have support for numerical programming should have something related to this. FWHM is fairly common in physics.
 
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Likes DaveE and Greg Bernhardt
Honestly, I'm not clear on where to start discussing "Q". There are a few different equivalent interpretations of it depending on your problem or field. You can start with wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Q_fac... engineering, the,of the cycle of oscillation.

It is basically a parameter in the equation for the response or behavior of a simple harmonic oscillator. In your example, it will determine the width of the frequency response curve.

If you are familiar with complex numbers, I can show you some relevant equations.

Note that when you study this, some use ζ, the damping coefficient instead of Q. Q = 1/(2⋅ζ), they represent the same concept.
 
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