Lab Motion and Error Analysis

If this is an informal lab, do not forget to put all pertinent data, graphs and results neatly in your notebook with a purpose and conclusion.

The quantitative analysis is done only for the last constant velocity part:

In Excel, graph position vs. time for your data set.
Have Excel perform a straight line fit by using either a linear regression or using the linest function. You can use either one (if you know how to do one of them). (See Excel Hints from Main Lab Page.)
In addition to the linear fit statistics given by the above step, be sure to show the best fit line on the graph by adding a trendline to the graph (be sure to choose to show the equation of the line). Always check that your trendline has the same equation as your linear fit statistics give!
From the fit statistics, give your speed to 90% confidence.
Compare your speed value to the given value of 5.0+/-0.5 m/s using the null hypothesis.
Calculate your average velocity over the entire trip. This is going to require only the total displacement and total time, and will require that you estimate the error on these two values. Think about how sure you are of each of the values for your total displacement and total time and state both the values and confidence intervals for each of those measurements. You do not necessarily have to do statistics, but explain where you got your numbers from. Assuming that your estimates of thte error are to within 90% confidence, you will need to combine your errors to find the error in your average velocity.

If this is a written formal lab (as indicated on the lab syllabus), you will have until the next lab to submit the write up to the appropriate assignment in Moodle. For written formal labs, remember to check the "write-up hints" page to be sure everything is included and check your write-up against the grading rubric.
If this is an informal lab, record your results in your lab notebook. Before the next lab you will need to complete the informal lab quiz in Moodle in which you will type in your results and/or answer some questions about the lab.
If this is an oral report lab, you will schedule a time to meet with your instructor over GoToMeeting to present your work. You should prepare your results and the answers to any questions in a neat and organized fashion so that you can refer to when necessary during your discussion.
Remember to read the next lab and do the pre-lab before the next scheduled lab session. You may work on the pre-lab with others, but each person must submit her or his own work.