How to Graph Data TY and LC OL Physics

Copyright Dee Maguire CBS,

Kilkenny
For non-commercial purposes only.. Enjoy!
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Graphing data

 There Doesare your

36.4 31.0 26.0 21.0 15.8 10.2 5.2

several graph look major like this errors one? in this graph. many can you spot?

How

0
1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 6.0 7.0

 So,

it may not be as simple as graphing the exact data that is in the exam question

..but

there are a number of guidelines to help you.

 Lets

have another quick look at the question

Now you are ready to draw the graph There are a few easy things you can do straight away:

(i)

Ask for graph paper (deducted

marks otherwise!)

(ii) Title the graph

(iii) Decide what data will go on each axis (iv) Title the axes (include units)

Graphing data
(i) Ask for graph paper (marks deducted otherwise!)

Graphing data
(ii) Title the graph
You can find a very suitable one in the question

Graphing data
(iii) Decide what data will go on each axis As a rule, their top line is your bottom line

So, F will go on the x axis. Dont forget the units!

To verify Newtons second Law

a /cm s-2

Since F is So far on the x axis, lets graph put a on like the looks y this. axis.dont .on forget graph units! paper.. naturally!
F/N

Graphing data
The

next stage is VERY IMPORTANT Lets have another look at the data we now want to plot.start with F

Graphing data

The values for F go from 1.0 up to 7.0. ..so that is straightforward enough

Use as much of your graph sheet as possible but make sure you go at least as far as 8.0ideally up to 10.0

You must make equal sized intervals along your x axis

To verify Newtons second Law

a /cm s-2

F/N 0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 6.0 7.0 8.0 9.0 10.0

Now decide on how your y axis will be divided.

The values for a go from 5.2 to 36.4..but you MUST start at zero You must go AT LEAST AS FAR as 36.4. Try to use as much of the page as possible, using EQUAL sized divisions Do NOT write the above readings on yr graph!!!!!!!!!

To verify Newtons second Law

a /cm s-2
45 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5

F/N 0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 6.0 7.0 8.0 9.0 10.0

 You

must NEVER..join-the-dots!

Always

pick a best-fit line. If the dots dont form an EXACT straight line, make sure there is the same number of dots on each side of the line

To verify Newtons second Law

a /cm s-2
45 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5

F/N 0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 6.0 7.0 8.0 9.0 10.0

In summary.

Do it on graph paper Their top line is your bottom line Title the graph and the axes Include units on the axes

Divide your axes correctly Plot your points

And finally..

 If

you make a mistake on your division of axes etc, it is often quicker and neater to start again

.Ask

for more graph paper