Basic data plotting in Microsoft Excel 2007/2010 and ...
Basic data plotting in Microsoft Excel 2007/2010 and comments on the RC lab
Physics 2910G, 13 February 2012
Put your data in two columns, one for the x-axis and one for the y-axis. For the RC lab, the first graph to plot is ln(Vc) versus t, so:
(b) (a)
Figure 1: (a) Entering data into two columns, (b) finding the natural logarithm of the capacitor voltage to plot.
Enter the formula for the natural logarithm of Vc by typing a formula like in Fig. 1. (b). Ensure that the natural logarithm of each capacitor voltage is calculated by copying and pasting the formula or using the Fill Down function. Make a scatter graph by clicking on the Insert button in the top bar, and selecting the Scatter button, as in Fig. 2.
(1)
Figure 2: The Insert bar with the Scatter button visible.
The result should be an empty graph box. Right-click on the empty box and select Select Data.
Figure 3: The Select Data window
Then, click the Add box. Click the small box in line with Series X values. From there, select the entire t column as the data for the x-axis. Do the same for Series Y values, selecting the ln(Vc) data. Then, click OK a few times and look at the resulting graph. If everything is done correctly, and your data is not way off, it should resemble Fig. 4 on the next page.
(2)
Figure 4: Selecting the data for the x-axis. The completed graph is shown below the data entry box.
So the graph is looking okay, but it can look better. First, adjust the x-axis range by right clicking on any number in the x-axis and selecting Format Axis. The minimum and maximum values may then be manually set as in Fig. 5 on the next page.
(3)
Figure 5: Setting the axis limits manually.
Add axis labels by selecting the graph, then going to the top bar and selecting Layout. Add Axis Titles and a Chart Title, if needed. A chart title can be omitted if it's explained in a caption in your lab report.
(4)
Figure 6: The graph looking better with axis labels and better axis limits. Note the Chart Title and Axis Titles buttons above in the Layout bar.
Linear regression may then be added to the graph by right-clicking one of the data points and selecting Add Trendline. In this case, a linear trendline is desirable, so select that type. Add the equation to the graph by selecting the Display Equation on chart box before pressing Close.
(5)
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