Final Answer:
The spring constant (k) can be determined by fitting a straight line to the data using the equation F = k * δ, where F is the force applied to the spring, δ is the displacement, and k is the spring constant. By analyzing the slope of the linear fit, the spring constant can be extracted.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the given experiment, the relationship between force (F), displacement (δ), and the spring constant (k) is described by the equation F = k * δ. To determine the spring constant, a straight line is fitted to the data points, where the slope of the line corresponds to the spring constant.
The equation can be rearranged to represent a linear relationship,
F = k * δ, as y = mx, where y is the force, x is the displacement, and m is the slope (spring constant, k). By performing linear regression on the data, the software calculates the slope of the best-fit line, which directly corresponds to the spring constant.
When analyzing the slope, it's essential to consider its units. The force is usually measured in Newtons (N), and displacement in meters (m). Therefore, the units of the slope (m) will be N/m, which is equivalent to the unit of the spring constant. Hence, by fitting a straight line to the experimental data and extracting the slope, one can determine the spring constant of the system.
In conclusion, the spring constant (k) can be accurately estimated by fitting a straight line to the experimental data and analyzing the slope of the best-fit line, considering the units to ensure the result is in the appropriate form (N/m).