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 draw draw a should I a 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.

x x

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
fit est b x of e x lin
x x 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 x x x x

This is called an anomalous point.

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
A straight line graph:

length

length

weigh t An example would be

weight

the length of a spring against the weight on it.

Types of graphs

A special case is when the straight line goes through the origin : In this case the two quantities are directly proportional. If one doubles, then the other one also doubles. See page 390.

origin

Types of graphs

If you think your graph should go through the origin, then draw it exactly through the origin.

Types of graphs
Example 1:

the extension of a spring against the weight on it.

extension

weight

Types of graphs
Example 2:

the current in a resistor against the p.d. across it.

current 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
Example 1:

the velocity of a falling object against the time.

velocity

time Eventually the object will reach its terminal velocity.

Types of graphs
Example 2:

the current in a filament lamp against the p.d.

current

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
Example 1:

the activity of a radioactive source against the time.

activity

time The time to fall to half is called the halflife.

Types of graphs
Example 2:

acceleration

the rate of change is shown by the gradient of the graph.

time

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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