Teachers Notes
This sequence of slides is designed to introduce, and explain,
the idea of Graphs in practical work, as explained on
pages 363-364 in New Physics for You, 2006 & 2011 editions or later.
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How Science works:
Graphs
New Physics for You, pages 363-4
Learning Objectives
You should learn :
About different types of graphs,
How to draw them when you
are doing your practical work,
How to interpret the different
shapes.
Drawing a graph
When
should
and
when
I drawI adraw a
should
bar-chart
? ?
line-graph
Drawing a graph
Look at the table of your results:
If this column has
only certain fixed values,
use a bar-chart:
a continuous range of
values,
use a line-graph:
Drawing a graph
What is the best
way to draw a
line-graph?
5 steps in drawing a graph
1. Choose simple scales.
For example:
1 large square = 1 newton (1 N)
or
1 large square = 2 N, or 5 N, or 10 N
But never choose an awkward scale,
like 1 square = 3 N or 7 N
Choose a scale that will make your
graph
use most of the sheet of paper.
5 steps in drawing a graph
1. Choose simple scales.
Put the dependent
variable on the y-axis
and
the independent variable on the xaxis
5 steps in drawing a graph
2. Plot the points neatly.
To mark the points we usually use an X
x
x
x
Usually you
need 5 or more
points for the
graph.
Re-check each one before your next
step.
5 steps in drawing a graph
3. If the points form a straight
line
draw the best straight line through
them
li n
f
o
e
s
be
t
fi
t
x
x
Check that it looks the best straight
line.
5 steps in drawing a graph
4. If the points form a curve
draw a free-hand curve of best fit
Do not join the points like a dot-todot.
5 steps in drawing a graph
5. If a point is not on the line
use your apparatus to check this
measurement again
x
x
This is called an
anomalous
point.
x
x
x
You can decide to ignore anomalous points.
5 steps in drawing a graph
In summary:
1. Choose good scales,
with the dependent variable on the yaxis
2. Plot the points carefully
3. Draw a line of best fit
using a ruler for a straight line graph,
4. or draw free-hand for a curved graph
5. Check anomalous points.
Types of graphs
Lets look at some examples of graphs
Types of graphs
length
length
A straight line
graph:
weigh
t
An example would be
the length of a
spring against the
weight on it.
weight
Types of graphs
A special case is when the
straight line goes through the
origin :
origin
In this case the
two quantities are
directly
proportional.
If one doubles,
then the other
one also doubles.
See page 390.
Types of graphs
If you think your graph should go through
the origin, then draw it exactly through
the origin.
Types of graphs
the extension of a
spring
against the weight on
it.
extension
Example
1:
weight
Types of graphs
the current in a
resistor
against the p.d.
across it.
current
Example
2:
voltag
e
This illustrates Ohms Law.
Types of graphs
A curved graph, rising :
The
dependent
variable rises
quickly at
first
Here are some
examples:
and then more slowly
Types of graphs
the velocity of a falling
object
against the time.
velocity
Example
1:
time
Eventually the object will reach its terminal velocity.
Types of graphs
the current in a filament
lamp
against the p.d.
current
Example
2:
voltag
e
Types of graphs
A curved graph, falling :
The
dependent
variable falls
quickly at
first
and then more slowly
Here are some
examples:
Types of graphs
the activity of a radioactive
source
against the time.
activity
Example
1:
tim
e
The time to fall to half is called the halflife.
acceleration
Types of graphs
Example
2:
the rate of change is shown
by
the gradient of the graph.
tim
e
This is discussed in the next PowerPoint.
Learning Outcomes
You should now:
Know how to draw a line-graph
correctly,
Be able to give examples of graphs
with different shapes,
Be able to interpret graphs with
different shapes.
For more details, see:
New Physics for You, page 364,
391
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