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How To Graph HL Physics
How To Graph HL Physics
Kilkenny
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Graphing data
Sometimes students think it is a straightforward matter of graphing one line of data against the other.
30
40
50
60 70
80
90
In
420 409 371 342 325 291 244
fact there are several major errors in this graph many can you spot?
How
30
40
50
60 70
80
90
Here
420 409 371 342 325 291 244
30
40
50
60 70
80
90
So,
it may not be as simple as graphing the exact data that is in the exam question
..but
Lets
The
word suitable is important. This is usually a strong hint that the data in the table needs to be manipulated a bit before you graph it
That
means that you may have to square the values of one line of dataor maybe halve it or double it etc, before you try to graph it
To
decide how to manipulate the data, you must refer back to the formula that is relevant to that experiment
In
1 s ut at 2
Graphing data
when a body falls freely under gravity u = 0 and a = g
1 s ut at 2
Note: the t is squared This means we also need to square the t values to ensure we get a straight line graph
Add a new line to the table and square the t values, using your calculator
t2/s2
0.0595 0.085
0.106
0.117
0.138
0.167
0.176
Now you are ready to draw the graph. There are a few easy things you can do straight away:
(i)
(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 (deducted most marks otherwise!) ..seriously!
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 s will go on the x axis
t2/s2
0.0595 0.085
0.106
0.117
0.138
0.167
0.176
So far the graph looks like this. .on graph paper.. naturally!
s / cm
Graphing data
From
the formula, we know we need s and t2, so the middle line of data is not used in the graph.
t2/s2
0.0595 0.085
0.106
0.117
0.138
0.167
0.176
The y axis will hold the t2 values. Also quote the correct units (s2)
s /cm
Graphing data
The
next stage is VERY IMPORTANT Lets have another look at the data we now want to plot.start with s
t2/s2
0.0595 0.085
0.106
0.117
0.138
0.167
0.176
Graphing data
Use as much of your graph sheet as possible but make sure you go at least as far as 90ideally up to 100 You must make equal sized intervals along your x axis
0.1
0.2 0.3
0.8
0.9
1.0 s /cm
t2/s2
The values go from approx 0.06 to 0.17..but you MUST start at zero
You must go AT LEAST AS FAR as 0.176 Try to use as much of the page as possible, using EQUAL sized divisions
t2 / s2
160000 140000 120000 100000 80000 60000 40000 20000 0
Identify a point by placing a dot exactly at the point, and draw a small circle around it to highlight it
0.1
0.2 0.3
0.8
0.9
1.0
s /m
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.
t2 /
0.1
0.2 0.3
0.8
0.9
1.0
s /m
t2 / s2
0.16 0.14 0.12 0.10 0.08 0.06 0.04 0.02
0.1
0.2 0.3
0.8
0.9
1.0
s /cm
To
read a slope from the graph, take two points ON THE LINE, (not from the table) that are far apart we can use the origin as one of these points use the formula: y y slope = x x
2 1 2 1
Usually
Then
t2 / s2
0.16
(90, 0.176
0.14 0.12 0.10 0.08 0.06 0.04 0.02
(0,0)
0.1
0.2 0.3
0.8
0.9
1.0
s /m
y y Slope x x
2 2
1 s ut at 2 1 s 0 gt 2 1 s gt 2
2 2
y s x m
2
2
A number of other data experiments will require you to plot a suitable graph Make sure to consider carefully what you will plot
Study the next few examples and decide what should be plotted on y and x axes. Also determine how to get slope Study how many graphs are straight lines
Suitable graphs 1
Boyles Law: You will be supplied with P and V measurements. What will you plot against what?
1/V
Suitable graphs 2
Measure g, using pendulum You will be supplied with l and T measurements. What will you plot against what? What is slope?
ANS: l against T2
T2
Suitable graphs 3
Measure fundamental freq. against length You will be supplied with f and
l measurements
What is slope?
1/
Suitable graphs 4
Measure fundamental freq. against Tension You will be supplied with f and T measurements. What will you plot against what? What is slope?
Suitable graphs 5
Measure f of concave mirror or converging lens You will be supplied with u and v measurements. What will you plot against what?
ANS: 1/v against 1/u To get f: Rather than use slope, take any point on line (1/u,1/v) = (x,y), then 1/f = 1/u + 1/v = x+y
1/v (1/u, 1/v)
1/u
Suitable graphs 6
Verify Snells Law You will be supplied with <i and <r measurements. (or possibly Real depth and Apparent depth) What will you plot against what? What is slope?
ANS: Sin i against Sin r (or real against apparent) Slope = y/x = Sin i/Sin r = n = refractive index
Sin i
Sin r
Suitable graphs 7
Joules Law: You will be supplied with and I measurements What will you plot against what? What is slope?
ANS: against I2
I2
In summary.
Do it on graph paper Use a formula to help you decide what goes where (Their top line is your bottom line) Title the graph and the axes Include units on the axes
And finally..
If
you make a mistake on your division of axes etc, it is often quicker and neater to start again
.Ask