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.

1 Answer
Feb 5, 2018

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.