Project - Data Handling and Interpolation

In several upcoming labs, a primary goal will be to determine the mathematical relationship between two variable physical parameters. Graphs are useful tools that can elucidate such relationships. First, plotting a graph provides a visual image of data and any trends therein. Second, via appropriate analysis, they provide us with the ability to predict the results of any changes to the system.

An important technique in graphical analysis is the transformation of experimental data to produce a straight line. If there is a direct, linear relationship between two variable parameters, the data may be fitted to the equation of line with the familiar form y=mx+by=mx+b through a technique known as linear regression. Here mm represents the slope of the line, and bb represents the y-intercept, as shown in the figure below. This equation expresses the mathematical relationship between the two variables plotted, and allows for the prediction of unknown values within the parameters.