Question

On a force versus elongation graph, what is represented by the point where the slope of the best-fit line intercepts the x-axis?

The x-axis is the elongation in meters while the y-axis is the force applied in Newtons.

Answer 1

The initial position of the mass of the oscillator.

Explanation:

Technically

`F= kDeltax`

`Deltax` is the elongation from the equilibrium point, i.e.,

`Delta x = x-x_0`

At `x = x_0`, the spring force is zero.

If `x_0` is set or reset to zero, then the intercept is zero.
Otherwise, the plot will show that at F=0, the best fit slope line intercepts at `x_0`.

Hence, the true equilibrium point might be slightly off where you think it is experimentally.