Why Should the Line of Best Fit for a Spring Constant Lab Pass Through (0,0)?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the spring constant lab, where students measured displacement of a hanging spring with added weights and plotted the results. The key question posed is whether the line of best fit should pass through the origin (0,0). According to Hooke's Law, the relationship between force and displacement is linear, represented by the equation Y = mX + C. The consensus is that the line should not pass through (0,0) because the spring has an initial displacement when no weight is applied, indicating a non-zero y-intercept.

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  • Understanding of Hooke's Law
  • Familiarity with linear equations and graphing
  • Basic knowledge of spring mechanics
  • Ability to interpret experimental data
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  • Explore advanced applications of Hooke's Law in real-world scenarios
  • Learn about error analysis in experimental physics
  • Investigate the concept of elasticity and its measurement techniques
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Homework Statement


we did a spring constant lab in school, we took a hanging spring and added weights to it, measuring displacement with each new weight. we were then instructed to create a graph and find the slope. i did that. then we were instructed to find the line of best fit. my line was linear. then the instructor as asked us a question about the graph: does it make sense that your line of best fit for your data pass through (0,0)? why or why not??


Homework Equations


hookes law

The Attempt at a Solution


well i think it doesn't make sense to pass through the origin, but I am not sure why
 
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Well, since you have a graph drawn out. And you obtained a straight line, the relationship between the 2 variable must be Y=mX+C.

What is your Y, m,X and C?

Does it look like certain formula you have seen before?

delzac
 

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