PHYSICS 211 LABORATORY

EXCEL: GRAPHICAL PRESENTATION OF DATA

NAME __________________________________________________________________________

LAB MEMBERS ________________________________________________________________

Lab Outcomes
1. Enter experimental data into an EXCEL spreadsheet.
2. Construct graphical representation of data using an EXCEL spreadsheet.
3. Use EXCEL to model data using different regression equations.

Materials
EXCEL 2013 software constant velocity car timer tape measure tape

Fundamental Rules for the Graphical Display of Data

• All graphs should have a title. (example: Bar Elongation as a Function of Applied Force)
• Each axis (x, y) should be labeled with the name of the quantity being plotted along with the units
of the quantity. [example: Applied Force (Newtons)]

More EXCEL Options: see “Graphing Data Using EXCEL 2013: Appendix IV”
NOTE: Instructions for entering and analyzing data are on the next page.

Procedure: Generate Constant Velocity Data

1. Put a small piece of masking tape on the floor as the zero (i.e. starting) position for the car.
2. Use the tape measure and tape to indicate on the floor the distances given in Table I:
Constant Velocity of Toy Car Moving Over a Flat Surface. shown below.
3. Switch on the car and start the timer when you release it at the zero position.
4. Record the time for the car to cross each 1.00 m distance as indicated by the tape on the floor.
5. Switch off the car and remove all tape after taking your measurements.

Table I: Constant Velocity Table II: Non-Constant Velocity

Toy Car Moving Over a Flat Surface Toy Car Accelerating over a Flat Surface
Time (s) Distance Traveled
x-axis (m), y-axis Time (s), x-axis Distance Traveled
0.00 0.00 (cm), y-axis
2.81 20.0
1.00
0.33 4.01 40.0
2.00
0.65 5.66 80.0
3.00
0.93 6.93 120
4.00
1.30 7.99 160
5.00
1.65 8.93 200
6.00
1.89

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EXCEL
EXCEL is a computer program called a spreadsheet. It is located in the Start Menu under Programs -
Microsoft Office - Microsoft Office EXCEL 2013. Each unique bit of data is held in a cell. Each cell
has a unique location and can be referenced to format the display of the numeric data, create graphs, and
perform mathematical operations on the data.

Inputting Data into EXCEL

1. Enter the Table I, Constant Velocity Data for the Car Moving over a Flat Surface into Sheet 1 by
simply clicking on one of the cells in the spreadsheet.
2. Then, type in the first data value of x, the dependent variable (distance) beginning with the upper left
corner of the spreadsheet.
3. Move down to the next cell and enter the next x value and so forth.
4. Repeat the procedure above for the data values of y.

NOTE: EXCEL chooses

left column of input data (for example, column A) as the x variable
right column of input data (for example, column B) as the y variable.

There are several ways to move between cells.

• Clicking on the cell into which you want to enter data
• Clicking enter will move to the next cell down
• Clicking tab will move to the next cell to the right
• Arrow keys on keyboard will move in the direction of the arrow

Columns are designated by letters, while rows are designated by numbers.

Cell groups can also be specified by placing a colon between the upper left and lower right corners of the
group. B1:B5 means cells 1 through 5 in column B are highlighted and selected.

5. Formatting Spreadsheet Cells

• Highlight the cell or columns of cells to be formatted.
• Click on Home (located on the tool bar at the top of the screen).
• Click on the dropdown menu label General.
• Different options are available for formatting how the data is displayed in the cells.

Practice the options available for formatting cells

General: Cell data is displayed just as it is entered.
Number: Cell data is displayed with the number of significant figures, i.e. decimal selected.
Scientific: Cell data is displayed in scientific notation with significant figures selected.

Set up each cell so that it displays the desired number of decimal places.
• Left click / drag the mouse over the range of cells that holds the data to highlight those cells.
• Use the procedure for Number above to set the number of significant figures to two decimal places
(This is the default number.)
• To set more or fewer significant figures, click on the to decrease the number
And click on to increase the number.

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6. Creating an Initial Scatter Plot

Highlight the Table I (Sheet 1) data you wish to plot from both columns
by holding down the left mouse key and dragging the cursor over the data.
• Click on INSERT from the tool bar.
• Within the Chart heading, click on the Scatter Icon

• A Scatter Plot is created with unconnected points for your data points in Sheet 1.

7. Format Gridlines

• Under Chart Tools, Click on Design.

• Click on the Gridlines picture labelled Style 4. This displays the chart with horizontal and
vertical gridlines.

8. Data Labels: Add x- and y-data Values to Each Data Point on Graph

• Click on + the Icon.

• Click on Data Labels, then click on the arrow to the right of Data Labels, and select “Data
Callout” to display x- and y- coordinates for each point.
• To eliminate any background color (or fill) for the data, click on the + icon, then click the
Data Labels arrow, and select the bucket symbol. Choose the “no fill” option.

9. Axis Labels: Add Titles to the x- and y-axes

• Click on the + Icon.

• Click on Axis Titles.

Click on the vertical words “axis title” and use the mouse to highlight “axis title”.
• Type in the title for the y-axis and any units associated with the y-axis quantity
• Or, after clicking on “axis title,” type in the vertical axis title (It will appear in the Tool Bar.)
• Then, click on the vertical axis box to place the typed “axis title” in the vertical box.
• The square root sign and other symbols can be found under Insert in the tool bar if symbols are
needed.
• Repeat the steps above to label the x-axis with a description and units.

10. Chart Title: Label Your Graph

• Click on the words “Chart Title” above your graph.

• Type in the name of your graph.
• Font size and style can be changed by highlighting the text, clicking on HOME in the tool bar, and
selecting the font size and style from the dropdown menus.

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11. Practicing Resizing Graph Displayed on Computer Screen

• Place cursor on the small boxes at top, bottom, or sides of large box with the graph.
• When either a double arrow appears (example: ), hold down the left mouse button and move the
arrow back and forth to resize the graph.
• Move the entire graph without changing its size by left click anywhere inside the graph, hold down
the left click mouse, and drag the graph to another location on the screen.

12. Change the Scatter Plot to a (Smoothed) Line Graph

Without Regression Fitting

• Click on Insert in the tool bar

• Click on the Scatter Icon
• Click on the Smoothed Line Graph Icon

• The data points now have a smooth line connecting them.

• Click on the Scatter Icon, and then click on the Scatter Graph Icon to delete the smoothed line fit
and return your graph to a scatter data plot.

Do not print a graph at this time but retain your Table I graph on Sheet 1 on the computer.

13. Create a Scatter Plot for Table II Non-Constant Velocity Data

for a Toy Car Accelerating over a Flat Surface

• Click on the + symbol at the bottom of the page next to “Sheet 1” words to create a Sheet 2.
• Enter the Table II data for the Non-Constant Velocity Data for a Toy Car Accelerating over a
Flat Surface into left and right columns on the EXCEL Sheet 2.
• Follow the Steps above to create a scatter plot for this data.

Do not print a graph at this time but retain your graph on Sheet 2 on the computer.

14. Regression Line Fit to a Set of Data Points: Introduction

Regression lines can be used to graphically depict the relationship between the independent (x) and the
dependent (y) variable. That is, a line and equation are calculated that best fit the data.
• A straight line depicts a linear trend in the data (Example: y = 4x - 5).
• A curved line represents a trend described by a higher order equation.
• Examples: 2nd order polynomial, y = 2x2 - 4x + 3 and exponential, y = 4.00e-2.0x.

It is important to make an accurate decision, based on the visual depiction of the data,
concerning which type of line best represents the data.

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Correlation Coefficient, R2

The correlation coefficient is a measure of how well the regression equation describes the data.
• The closer R2 is to 1.00, the better the fit of the regression line and equation to the data.
• A perfect fit of 1.00 means that the regression line passes through all the data points.

15. Create a Linear Regression Line Fit

to the Table I Constant Velocity Data for a Flat Surface

• Click on Sheet 1. Left click on the graph.

• Click on the + symbol to the right of the graph.
• Click on Trendline box, and then click on the arrow to the right of the box.
• Select Linear Trendline
• Click on More Options and scroll down the options.
• Click on “Display equation on chart.” The best-fit linear equation will appear in a box on your graph.
• Click on “Display R-squared value on chart.” The linear equation R2 value will appear on your graph.

16. To move the equation and R2 box to another location on the graph
• Click on the box containing the best-fit equation and R2 value, hold down the left mouse button, and
drag the box to the desired location on the graph.
• To change the font type and size: click in the box, highlight the text using the mouse, go to Home
in the tool bar, and select the desired font type and size.

Your graph now displays the data points

with the best-fit linear regression equation and the equation’s R2 correlation coefficient.

17. Print one copy (This is Graph 1) for your group of the
Table I: Constant Velocity Data for a Flat Surface.

• Left Click on the graph/chart on Sheet 1.

• Click on FILE in the far upper left corner of the screen.
• Click on Print on the left side column.
• Click on Print Selected Chart (only print the selected chart).
• Choose a Print Range from 1 to 1 and select 1 copy.
• Click on the Print icon to print your graph.

18. To Delete a Trendline, Equation, and R2 Correlation

• Right Click on the Treadline.
• Left Click on Delete. This deletes the best-fit curve, the best-fit equation, and the R2 value.

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19. Create a Regression Line Best Fit

for Table III Non-Constant Velocity Data over an Elevated Surface Given Below.
• Create Sheet 3 using + at the bottom of the page. Table III: Non-Constant Velocity Data
Enter the data shown in Table III at right. over an Elevated Surface
• Create a scatterplot of this data. Total Time (s) Total Distance Traveled
• Create a Linear Regression Fit for the data. x-axis (km), y-axis
• Click on “Display equation on chart” 10.0 20.0
• Click on “Display R2 value on chart” 20.0 36.0
• 2
Record the equation and R value in the Table below. 30.0 50.0
• Do not print a graph. 40.0 63.0.
Only examine the graphs on the computer and 50.0 75.0
record the requested data below. 60.0 84.0

Regression Fit Regression Equation R2 Correlation

Type
Linear

Polynomial
(n = 2)
Polynomial
(n = 3)
Exponential

Delete the Linear Regression Fit line, equation, and R2 value.

• Choose the Polynomial Fit with n = 2. Display equation and R2 value on the chart.
• Record the equation and R2 value in the Table above.

Delete the Polynomial Regression Fit with n = 2.

• Choose the Polynomial Fit with n = 3. Display equation and R2 value on the chart.
• Record the equation and R2 value in the Table above.

Delete the Polynomial Regression Fit with n = 3.

• Choose the Exponential Fit. Display equation and R2 value on the chart.
• Record the equation and R2 value in the Table above.

Compare the R2 values for the regression equations above.

Choose the Best-Fit Equation with an

Linear _________ Polynomial, n = 3 _________

Polynomial, n = 2 _________ Exponential _________

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20. Create a Linear Regression Line Fit

for Table II Non-Constant Velocity Data over a Flat Surface

Click on Sheet 2 (Table II Data).

• Create Linear Regression fit to the data. Display equation and R2 value on the chart.
• Print one copy of the graph for your group. (This is Graph 2)

Create a Polynomial (n = 2) Regression Line Fit

for Table II Non-Constant Velocity Data over a Flat Surface

• Delete the Linear Regression line, equation, and R2 value to your data.
• Create Polynomial (n = 2) Regression fit to the data. Display equation and R2 value.
• Print one copy of the graph for your group. (This is Graph 3)

Create an Exponential Regression Line Fit

for Table II Non-Constant Velocity Data over a Flat Surface

• Delete the Polynomial Regression line, equation, and R2 value to your data.
• Create Exponential Regression fit to the data. Display equation and R2 value on the chart.
• Print one copy of the graph for your group. (This is Graph 4)

21. Examine the three graphs (Table II Non-Constant Velocity Data over a Flat Surface).

Which regression equation is the best fit for this data?

Linear _____ Polynomial _____ Exponential _____

Justify your answer.

Submit the Following to the Instructor for Each Lab Group

with the names of all group members.

1. Pages 1, 6, and 7.
2. Only one set of FOUR graphs with the names of all group members written on each graph.

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 Appendix III

Examples of Properly Labeled and Plotted Graphs

1. Units on axis quantities.
2. Graph has proper title
3. Best-fit regression curve, best-fit equation, and R2 value are displayed
[R2 = 1.00 for a perfect fit of data and equation]
4. Graph is spread out over most of graph paper.
5. Graph displays both vertical and horizontal grid lines.

Best-Fit Linear Regression Curve

height, m

age, years
2
y: tree height, meters x: tree age, years R = 1.00 for perfect fit of data and equation

Best-Fit Polynomial (n = 2) Regression Curve

y: board feet obtained from a given tree, in 100s of feet x: tree age, in years

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 APPENDIX IV
GRAPHING DATA USING EXCEL 2013

Introduction
EXCEL is a computer program called a spreadsheet. It is located in the Start Menu under Programs. It
is useful for the visual display and management of data. Each unique bit of data is held in a cell. Each
cell has a unique location and can be referenced to format the display of the numeric data, create graphs,
and perform mathematical operations on the data.

Inputting Data
You can enter data by simply clicking on one of the cells in the spreadsheet and typing in the data values.
You usually enter data beginning with the upper left corner of the spreadsheet.

NOTE: EXCEL chooses

left column of input data (for example, column A) as the x variable (horizontal axis)
right column of input data (for example, column B) as the y variable (vertical axis).

There are several ways to move between cells.

• Clicking on the cell into which you want to enter data
• Clicking enter will move to the next cell down
• Clicking tab will move to the next cell to the right
• Arrow keys on keyboard will move in the direction of the arrow

Each cell is located in a rectilinear grid of cells and is referenced by a column and row designation.
Columns are designated by letters, while rows are designated by numbers.

Groups of cells can also be specified by placing a colon between the upper left and lower right corners of
the group of cells. Thus, B1:B5 means that cells 1 through 5 in column B are highlighted and selected.

Formatting Spreadsheet Cells

• Highlight the cell or columns of cells to be formatted.
• Click on Home (located on the tool bar at the top of the screen).
• Click on the dropdown menu label General.
• Different options are available for formatting how the data is displayed in the highlighted cells.

Options For Formatting Cells

General: Cell data is displayed just as it is entered.
Number: Cell data is displayed with the number of significant figures (decimal places) selected.
Scientific: Cell data is displayed in scientific notation with number of significant figures selected.

Set up each cell so that it displays the desired number of decimal places.
• Left click / drag the mouse over the range of cells that holds the data to highlight those cells.
• Use the procedure for Number above to set the number of significant figures
(Note: 2 significant figures is the default number.)
• To set more or fewer significant figures, click on the to decrease the number
And click on to increase the number.

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Creating an Initial Scatter Plot

Highlight the Table I (Sheet 1) data you wish to plot from both columns
by holding down the left mouse key and dragging the cursor over the data.
• Click on INSERT from the tool bar.
• Within the Chart heading, click on the Scatter Icon

• A Scatter Plot is created with unconnected points for your data points in Sheet 1.

Format Gridlines
• Under Chart Tools, Click on Design.
• Click on the Gridlines picture labelled Style 4.
This displays the chart with horizontal and vertical gridlines.

Data Labels: Add x- and y-data Values to Each Data Point on Graph

• Click on + the Icon.

• Click on Data Labels, then click on the arrow to the right of Data Labels, and select “Data
Callout” to display x- and y- coordinates for each point.
• To eliminate any background color (or fill) for the data, click on the + icon, then click the
Data Labels arrow, and select the bucket symbol. Choose the “no fill” option.

Axis Labels: Add Titles to the x- and y-axes

• Click on the + Icon.

• Click on Axis Titles.

Click on the vertical words “axis title” and use the mouse to highlight “axis title”.
• Type in the title for the y-axis and any units associated with the y-axis quantity
• Or, after clicking on “axis title,” type in the vertical axis title (It will appear in the Tool Bar.)
• Then, click on the vertical axis box to place the typed “axis title” in the vertical box.
• The square root sign and other symbols can be found under Insert in the tool bar, if symbols are
needed in your text.
• Repeat the steps above to label the x-axis with a description and units.

Chart Title: Label Your Graph

• Click on the words “Chart Title” above your graph.

• Type in the name of your graph.
• Font size and style can be changed by highlighting the text, clicking on HOME in the tool bar, and
selecting the font size and style from the dropdown menus.

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GRAPHING DATA USING EXCEL
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Resize the Graph Displayed on Computer Screen

• Place the cursor on the small boxes at top, bottom, or sides of large box that encloses the graph.
• When a double arrow appears (example: ), hold down the left mouse button and move the arrow
back and forth to resize the graph.
• Move the entire graph without changing its size: left click anywhere inside the graph, (+ symbol
appears), hold down the left click mouse, and drag the graph to another location.

Change the Scatter Plot to a (Smoothed) Line Graph

Without Regression Fitting

• Click on Insert in the tool bar

• Click on the Scatter Icon
• Click on the Smoothed Line Graph Icon

• The data points now have a smooth line connecting them.

• Click on the Scatter Icon, and then click on the Scatter Graph Icon to delete the smoothed line fit to
return your graph to a scatter data plot.

Create a Scatter Plot for Data in Sheet 2

• Click on the + symbol at the bottom of the page next to “Sheet 1” words to create a Sheet 2.
• Enter the data into left and right columns on the EXCEL Sheet 2.
• Follow the Steps above to create a scatter plot for this data.

Regression Line Fit to a Set of Data Points: Introduction

Regression lines can be used to graphically depict the relationship between the independent (x) and the
dependent (y) variable. That is, a line and equation are calculated that best fit the data.
• A straight line depicts a linear trend in the data (Example: y = 4x - 5).
• A curved line represents a trend described by a higher order equation.
• Examples: 2nd order polynomial equation, y = 2x2 - 4x + 3 and exponential equation, y = 4.00e-2.0x.
It is important to make an accurate decision, based on the visual depiction of the data,
concerning which type of line best represents the data.

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Correlation Coefficient, R2

The correlation coefficient is a measure of how well the regression line and equation describe the data.
• The closer R2 is to 1.00, the better the fit of the regression line and equation to the data.
• A perfect fit of 1.00 means that the regression line passes through all the data points.

Create a Linear Regression Line Fit For Sheet 1 Data

• Click on Sheet 1. Left click on the graph.

• Click on the + symbol to the right of the graph.
• Click on Trendline box, and then click on the arrow to the right of the box.
• Select Linear Trendline
• Click on More Options and scroll down the options.
• Click “Display equation on chart.” The best-fit linear equation will appear in a box on your graph.
• Click “Display R-squared value on chart.” The linear equation R2 value will appear on your graph.

To move the Equation and R2 box to another location on the graph

• Click on the box containing the best-fit equation and R2 value, hold down the left mouse button, and drag
the box to the desired location on the graph.
• To change the font type and size: click in the box, highlight the text using the mouse, go to Home in the
tool bar, and select the desired font type and size.

Your graph now displays the data points

with the best-fit linear regression equation and the equation’s R2 correlation coefficient.

To Delete a Trendline, Equation, and R2 Correlation

• Right Click on the Treadline.
• Left Click on Delete. This deletes the best-fit curve as well as the best-fit equation and R2 value.

To Print a Graph
• Left click on the graph to choose it for printing.
• Left click on the Microsoft Office 2013 Icon in the far upper left corner of the screen.
• Left click on the Print Icon and then select Print from the pop-up menu
• Choose a Print Range from 1 to 1 and select 1 copy.

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Reverse the Order of Numbers on the Horizontal x-axis or Vertical y-axis

so that the x-axis values run from high values (right side of axis) to low values (left side of axis).

• Left click on any number on the x-axis of your scatterplot

• Left click on +
• Left click on “Axis” and left click on
• Left click “More Options”
• Scroll down and left click on “Values in Reverse Order.”
• Repeat this procedure for the y-axis values, if needed.

Create a Logarithmic Scale for the Horizontal x-axis or Vertical y-axis

• Scroll up and left click on “AXIS OPTIONS”
• Scroll down and left click on “Vertical Axis Value”
• Scroll down and left click on “Logarithmic scale.”
• Repeat this procedure for the horizontal x-axis values, if needed.

Change the x- and y- Intercepts on the Graph

Example: See Next Page

• Click on the Axes Icon.

• Select “Primary Horizontal (or Vertical) Axis.“
• Click on “Primary Horizontal (or Vertical) Axis Options. “
• Click on Fixed and type in the axis value for minimum and maximum values for the x- and y-axis
intercepts.

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Example: Adjusting the x- and y-axis Scales

Often you will plot data that is relatively constant. For example, say you measure the velocity of an air
track glider on a level track. The velocity of the glider in this situation should be constant, but an
unadjusted graph (Graph 1) shows the data points scattered throughout the graph.

When Excel plots the data, the scale of the velocity axis is such that
the data appears to be widely varying as shown in Graph 1.

Graph 1: No Scale Adjustment

When the vertical scale of the graph is adjusted by expanding the scale of the vertical (velocity) axis
(Graph 2), the linear nature of the data is more evident.
Note: Both graphs plot the same data! The only difference is their scale.

Graph 2: Vertical (y) Intercept Adjusted

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