Demonstrating Linear Regression and Error Using an Experiment with a Microwave Oven

Abstract

To provide an application for the method of linear least squares to data collected in a laboratory, a beaker with water is heated in a microwave oven, and the water temperature is measured as a function of heating variables (time and oven setting). This procedure enables a student to obtain a regression line for each oven setting, and to evaluate the intercept and slope of this line and compare them with the initial temperature of the water and the heating versus oven setting relationship described in the microwave’s manufacturer’s manual. They also are asked to identify any sources of errors observed in this experiment.