Note that it is important to label axes with both the measurement and the units used.
Reserve the first row for column labels.Enter the above data into the first two columns in the spreadsheet.Go to the Start button (at the bottom left on the screen), then click Programs, followed by Microsoft Excel ©. Launch the program Microsoft Excel © (2016 version, found on all computers in all the computer centers on campus).Scenario: A certain experiment is designed to measure the volume of 1 mole of helium gas at a variety of different temperatures, while keeping the gas pressure constant at 758 torr: Temperature (K) Please note that although Excel can fit curves to nonlinear data sets, this form of analysis is usually not as accurate as linear regression. In particular, students will learn to use Excel in order to explore a number of linear graphical relationships. In this exercise, the spreadsheet program Microsoft Excel © will be used for this purpose. \Ĭomputer spreadsheets are powerful tools for manipulating and graphing quantitative data. This equation expresses the mathematical relationship between the two variables plotted, and allows for the prediction of unknown values within the parameters. Here \(m\) represents the slope of the line, and \(b\) represents the y-intercept, as shown in the figure below. 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 \(y = mx + b\) through a technique known as linear regression. Second, via appropriate analysis, they provide us with the ability to predict the results of any changes to the system.Īn important technique in graphical analysis is the transformation of experimental data to produce a straight line. First, plotting a graph provides a visual image of data and any trends therein. Graphs are useful tools that can elucidate such relationships. In several upcoming labs, a primary goal will be to determine the mathematical relationship between two variable physical parameters. To learn to use Excel to explore a number of linear graphical relationships.