Lab One: Data Analysis
Physics 206L.005
Lab Number: 1
Niya Elliott-Grant
Due Date: January 30, 2026
Objective: Show ability to analyze data and create correlating graphs based on the data provided
Theory: There are many ways to analyze data in laboratory settings. In physics labs, the focus is
statistical analysis. When using statistical analysis, the best value, difference of most values from
the best value, overall trend of the data can be found giving a better understanding of the data
and its usefulness.
Equipment: Google Sheets
Procedures: N/A
Data:
Value 1
Value 2
Value 3
Value 4
Value 5
Value 6
Value 7
Value 8
Sum
X
1.2
1.5
2.0
2.1
2.7
2.9
3.2
3.6
19.2
Y
3.0
5.0
6.1
7.0
8.0
15
18
20
82.1
Mean: X: 19.2/8 = 2.40 , and Y: 82.1 /8 = 10.3
Standard Deviation: X: 0.838, and Y: 6.444
Analysis: The X value set seems to be more of a steady linear increase while the Y value set
seems to be more of a quick exponential increase.
Discussion: For the X values, it seems as if the linear fit is closest to the average of the values.
While for the Y values, the exponential and polynomial fits seem to fit best. This is because in a
set of data that has a rapid acceleration like the Y values, the exponential and polynomial fit
reflect the change of the slope as the data quickly increases in value. While the X values are
closer in value so the rate of change seems to be more consistent. If one fit had to be chosen for
both sets of values, the exponential would be best because there seems to be only one turning
point in the Y values (polynomial fit would be best at reflecting multiple) and it still clearly
reflects the trends of the X value.
Questions: are answered above in the data, analysis, and discussion