If I plot the sum of 1/2*k*y^2 + 1/2*m*v^2, is the graph supposed to be a straight line? I plotted it in excel, after plotting both the kinetic and potential energy sums and added them together, but I just can't seem to get a straight line for some reason. Am I missing something? Here are my steps:

College Physics
11th Edition
ISBN:9781305952300
Author:Raymond A. Serway, Chris Vuille
Publisher:Raymond A. Serway, Chris Vuille
Chapter1: Units, Trigonometry. And Vectors
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1CQ: Estimate the order of magnitude of the length, in meters, of each of the following; (a) a mouse, (b)...
icon
Related questions
icon
Concept explainers
Topic Video
Question

Hi! This is a question about a vertical spring experiment. If I plot the sum of 1/2*k*y^2 + 1/2*m*v^2, is the graph supposed to be a straight line? I plotted it in excel, after plotting both the kinetic and potential energy sums and added them together, but I just can't seem to get a straight line for some reason. Am I missing something? Here are my steps:

For kinetic energy I used =1/2*0.3*((velocity values)^2)

For potential energy I used =1/2*(20.35)*((position values)^2)

I calculated my spring constant (20.35) by finding the slope of a line of weight vs. displacement.

When I plotted my kinetic energy, potential energy, and total energy (kinetic energy + potential energy) I don't get a straight line for total energy, what could I be doing wrong?

I attached a picture of my graph

Energy (J)
0.035
0.03
0.025
0.02
0.015
0.01
0.005
0
-0.005
2
↓
3
Time (s)
4
5
6
Kinetic Energy (J)
Elastic Potential Energy (J)
Total Energy (J)
Transcribed Image Text:Energy (J) 0.035 0.03 0.025 0.02 0.015 0.01 0.005 0 -0.005 2 ↓ 3 Time (s) 4 5 6 Kinetic Energy (J) Elastic Potential Energy (J) Total Energy (J)
Expert Solution
steps

Step by step

Solved in 3 steps

Blurred answer
Knowledge Booster
Kinetic energy
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, physics and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
  • SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
College Physics
College Physics
Physics
ISBN:
9781305952300
Author:
Raymond A. Serway, Chris Vuille
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
University Physics (14th Edition)
University Physics (14th Edition)
Physics
ISBN:
9780133969290
Author:
Hugh D. Young, Roger A. Freedman
Publisher:
PEARSON
Introduction To Quantum Mechanics
Introduction To Quantum Mechanics
Physics
ISBN:
9781107189638
Author:
Griffiths, David J., Schroeter, Darrell F.
Publisher:
Cambridge University Press
Physics for Scientists and Engineers
Physics for Scientists and Engineers
Physics
ISBN:
9781337553278
Author:
Raymond A. Serway, John W. Jewett
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Lecture- Tutorials for Introductory Astronomy
Lecture- Tutorials for Introductory Astronomy
Physics
ISBN:
9780321820464
Author:
Edward E. Prather, Tim P. Slater, Jeff P. Adams, Gina Brissenden
Publisher:
Addison-Wesley
College Physics: A Strategic Approach (4th Editio…
College Physics: A Strategic Approach (4th Editio…
Physics
ISBN:
9780134609034
Author:
Randall D. Knight (Professor Emeritus), Brian Jones, Stuart Field
Publisher:
PEARSON