Name
Period
Date
Scientific Methods Worksheet 4: Graphical Analysis
For each of the following experiments, do the following:
a. From the experiment statement, determine which is the independent variable
and which is the dependent variable and record.
c. Enter the values determined by the experiment into LoggerPro. Change the
table headings using appropriate names, short names (variables) and units.
d. Generate a graph of these values. Be sure that the variables are on the
appropriate axes. The graph must have a title and the axes must include
labels with correct units.
e. Do a linear fit of the graph and then sketch the graph on the available axes
and record the linear fit information (slope, y-intercept, correlation coefficient).
1. Every 2 days, Peter Popper measured the height of a super fast growing pea plant.
Independent variable
Time
(day)
0
2.00
4.00
6.00
8.00
10.0
12.0
Dependent variable
Height
(cm)
0
15.8
30.3
43.8
60.0
76.5
86.0
a. State the slope with units and then write a sentence explaining what it means.
b. Is the y-intercept significant? Test using the 5% rule. State the y-intercept with
units and then write a sentence explaining what it means.
c. Write the math model representing the best-fit line LoggerPro produces. Use
distinctive variables (not x and y), include units on all quantities.
d. Using the math model, predict the height of the pea plant after 20.0 days if the
same growth pattern holds.
Scientific Methods Worksheet 4: Graphical Analysis
page 2
2. Wire was cut to specific lengths and the mass of each piece was then measured.
Independent variable
Mass
(g)
0
5.2
10.3
14.0
19.5
24.8
30.2
Dependent variable
Length
(cm)
0
10.
20.
30.
40.
50.
60.
a. State the slope with units and then write a sentence explaining what it means.
b. Is the y-intercept significant? Test using the 5% rule. State the y-intercept with
units and the write a sentence explaining what it means.
c. Write the math model representing the best-fit line LoggerPro produces. Use
distinctive variables (not x and y), include units on all quantities.
d. Using the math model, predict the mass of a 35 cm piece of wire.
Scientific Methods Worksheet 4: Graphical Analysis
page 3
3. Various masses were hung from a spring. After each was placed, the length of the
spring was measured.
After graphing the points, right click on the graph and use Autoscale from 0 since
(0,0) is not a data point.
Independent variable
Length
(cm)
195
285
375
465
555
645
Dependent variable
Mass
(g)
50.0
80.0
110.
140.
170.
200.
a. State the slope with units and then write a sentence explaining what it means.
b. Is the y-intercept significant? Test using the 5% rule. State the y-intercept with
units and the write a sentence explaining what it means.
c. Write the math model representing the best-fit line LoggerPro produces. Use
distinctive variables (not x and y), include units on all quantities.
d. Using the math model, predict the length of the spring if 300. g is hung.
Scientific Methods Worksheet 4: Graphical Analysis
page 4
4. R. Berday plants a sapling in her back yard. Every four months R. measures the
height of the tree.
After graphing the points, right click on the graph and use Autoscale from 0 since
(0,0) is not a data point.
Independent variable
Height
(m)
3.2
3.9
5.3
6.5
7.8
8.5
Dependent variable
Time
(month)
4.0
8.0
12
16
20.
24
a. State the slope with units and then write a sentence explaining what it means.
b. Is the y-intercept significant? Test using the 5% rule. State the y-intercept with
units and the write a sentence explaining what it means.
c. Write the math model representing the best-fit line LoggerPro produces. Use
distinctive variables (not x and y), include units on all quantities.
d. Using the math model, predict the height of the tree after 30. months.