Here are some basic instructions for using Graphical Analysis to process your friction lab data:

Entering and fitting a curve to your data:

1. Type your normal force data in the X column of the Data Table.

2. Type your friction force data (the two-trial averages) in the Y column of the Data Table.

3. Click on the Graph Window to select it.

4. Pull down the Options menu and select Graph Options. When the window opens, uncheck Connect Lines. Title your graph "Static Friction Force vs. Normal Force." Click OK.

5. Pull down the Analyze menu and select Curve Fit.

6. Select the linear function from the general equations list and click the Try Fit button.

7. If the line fits your data satisfactorily, click OK.

8. Pull down the Data menu and select Column Options > X.

9. Type "Normal Force" for the name and type "newtons" for the units. Click OK.

10. Pull down the Data menu and select Column Options > Y.

11. Type "Friction Force" for the name and type "newtons" for the units. Click OK.

Pasting your data table and graph into a word document:

1. Make sure the graph window is selected by clicking on it. Pull down the Edit menu and select Copy.

2. Open the Friction Lab Word document from the Counts Physics folder on the student server and paste the graph into the body of the document.

3. Select the Data Set window by clicking on it. Pull down the Edit menu and select Copy.

4. Paste the window into the Word document.

5. DO NOT SAVE your Word document over the one in the Counts folder.

Repeat the above process for your kinetic friction data, making sure to title it appropriately.

Finish the job:

1. Input the coefficients of friction in the table at the bottom of the Word document.

2. Type your names at the top of the Word document.

3. Try to fix the format of your document to save paper if possible.

4. Print copies for yourself and Mr. Counts.

5. Turn in your document.