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Analyzing Scatter Plots and Material Strength: Steel vs. Aluminum

In this assignment, you will analyze scatter plots showing the relationship between force applied and deformation for two different materials: steel and aluminum. You will use these graphs to compare the strength of the materials, identify the type of correlation shown, and determine what happens to a material after it reaches its elastic limit. Answer all questions using evidence from the provided graphs and information.

Group 1

Use the scatter plots and the background information to answer the following questions about the relationship between force and deformation for steel and aluminum.

Source 1.1

A compression testing machine being used to test a cylinder shaped sample.

Source 1.2

Students at a university used a similar machine to see how much two different types of metals deformed when different amounts of force were applied to them. The metals they tested were steel and aluminum. The samples they used in their tests were similar-sized cylinders. The students calculated the deformation of each sample when it was compressed. For each test, they noted whether the sample returned to its original shape after they removed the compression forces on it. They incrementally increased the applied force to the samples with each test. At first they found that each sample that they tested returned to its original shape after the force was removed. The results from those tests are graphed below.

Source 1.3

Scatter plot: Steel - Deformation (cm) vs. Force applied (Newtons)

Source 1.4

Scatter plot: Aluminum - Deformation (cm) vs. Force applied (Newtons)

Question 1a

Multiple choice

What type of correlation is shown in the scatter plots of force applied vs. deformation for both steel and aluminum before reaching the elastic limit?

Question 1b

Multiple choice

Based on the scatter plots, which material appears be stronger?

Question 1c

Short answer

Explain how we can use the slopes of the graphs to determine which material is stronger.

Question 1d

Short answer

After the elastic limit is reached, how does the relationship between force and deformation change? What evidence from the scatter plot supports your answer?

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