Physics 11

Graphing

Introduction:

Scientists often collect large amounts of data in search of some relationship between two important
variables (think of global temperature rise and CO2 levels!). Large amounts of data shown in data tables
can be useful; however, the same data shown as a graph can often yield more insightful and more
meaningful results.

When one variable varies directly with another, a straight lined graph results. Scientists say the two
variables are directly dependent on each other. Non-linear graphs also possible (and part of this course!)
but require more manipulation in order to make them more useful. When conducting an experiment , a
scientist will try to keep all the variables strictly controlled (the same) except the ones that are being
tested. For example if a scientist was testing the grip strength of tires on a road surface as a function of
tire rubber compound, he would ensure that the same car, same size of tire, same road surface, same
temperature and humidity etc was maintained. The type of compound would be varied and then the
grip strength would be measured to see which rubber compound was best for a single set of conditions.

The variable under the experimenter’s direct control is called the:

Independent Variable (type of rubber compound)

And is always plotted on the x or horizontal axis of a graph

The other variable that varies when the 1st one does is called the:

Dependent Variable (grip strength)

And is always plotted on the y or vertical axis of a graph

Potting a Proper Graph

This section will show you how to plot a proper physics graph of some data and to determine the slope
of a line and to state the equation of the line.

For example, the position, P, of an electric toy car is recorded at various times, t, after a stop watch is
turn on. The data table is shown below:

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 Data Table: Position of a Toy car as a function of time

Time (s) Position (m)

0.00 0.00
2.00 4.95
4.00 10.05
6.00 15.00
8.00 19.97
10.00 24.89
12.00 30.10
14.00 35.03
16.00 39.87

1. Which of the two variables is the independent and dependent variable? State why you think so.
2. In scientific circles the independent variable is always on the left hand of the data table. Data
has to always be in proper data tables that include titles of each box with units and a title of the
data table.

Plot the above data on the graph shown below:

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Read the following section before you plot your graph:

All graphs should initially be done in pencil or in excel and need to have the following information:

1. A drawn line setting the horizontal and vertical boundaries of your graph. The
graph should be as large as possible and still fit on the graph paper.
2. Both Axes must be labeled with both a quantity and a unit.
3. All points clearly plotted … points can be x’s or small dots … neither too big nor
too small.
4. A “best-fit-line” drawn through your points.
5. A title written near the top of the graph stating what the graph is showing. For
example your graph’s title should be:

“Graph of Position vs Time for a Toy Car”

The above format should always be used:

“Graph of Y-Variable vs X-Variable for Something”

when creating titles for graphs.

6. The slope of your graph is to be calculated on your graph near some open space.
Do not forget units as most variables in physics (Position – m, time – s) the slope
will also have units as well. In this case slope units should be m/s.

Have your graph check by your teacher to see if it is correctly done.

Slope Calculation

One of the more common calculations in graphs is the slope of the line. If a linear relationship exists
between 2 variables then the slope of the line will tell the rate of change in the variables. The ratio
between the “rise” of the line versus the “run” of the line is what scientists and mathematicians call the
slope or gradient of the line.

rise rise = ∆y = y2 – y1
Slope = m =
run run = ∆x = x2 – x1
Symbol for
slope
y2 – y1 Slope is always rise over run. Remember this!
Slope = m =
x2 – x1
rise
Slope =
run

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The following diagram will show you how to calculate the slope of a line.

y
Force (N)
Point 2

200
y2 y2 – y1
Slope =
x2 – x1

rise 200 – 50
Slope =
12.0 – 4.0
50 y1 150
Slope =
Point 1 8.0
run
x1 x2
4.0
x Slope = 19 N/kg
12.0 Mass (kg)

Slope rounded off

to 2 sig. figs and
Use this information to determine the slope of the graph plotted above.
now has units

Equation of a line: Slope-intercept form: y = mx + b

Dependent y-intercept
Variable

slope
independent
Variable

Therefor the equation of the line on your graph would be:

F = 19N/kg M + 1.5 N

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Here is one more set of data to construct a proper graph. To move on to the lab you must receive a 90%
or higher on this graph. Use the graph paper provided to plot your graph.

Extra Example Graphing Question:

A student wishing to see if a relationship exists between the bounce of a rubber ball dropped on a floor
varies directly with the height from which the ball was dropped, performs a controlled experiment and
collects the following data:

Initial height of Bounce height of

Dropped Ball (m) Ball (m)
3.00 2.25

2.75 2.10
1) Plot a proper Graph
2.50 1.90
2) Find the slope
2.25 1.70
3) Give the equation of the line
2.00 1.50
4) Hand in the complete graph for evaluation
1.75 1.30

1.50 1.10

1.25 0.94

1.00 0.75

The final assessment of your knowledge of graphing will based on the next lab.

Go onto the “Bending of a Meter Stick Lab”.