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Basic Data Processing in IB Physics

The document outlines the basic steps for processing data in an IB Physics experiment: 1) Obtain raw data and qualitative observations. 2) Format the raw data table according to IB requirements. 3) Optionally, calculate averages, standard deviations, and plot the raw data with a line of best fit. It then describes further steps that may be needed such as linearizing nonlinear data before determining uncertainties in calculated quantities graphically and theoretically.

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Nandita Nawal
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63 views

Basic Data Processing in IB Physics

The document outlines the basic steps for processing data in an IB Physics experiment: 1) Obtain raw data and qualitative observations. 2) Format the raw data table according to IB requirements. 3) Optionally, calculate averages, standard deviations, and plot the raw data with a line of best fit. It then describes further steps that may be needed such as linearizing nonlinear data before determining uncertainties in calculated quantities graphically and theoretically.

Uploaded by

Nandita Nawal
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Basic data processing in IB Physics

1) Obtain raw data in a table in Excel, noting qualitative observations below the table.

2) Format the raw data table to meet IB formatting requirements – see checklist.

3) (optional but usually performed) – obtain the average and standard deviation of trials for the raw
data and plot a correctly-formatted graph. Add a suitable line of best fit to the graph and include the
equation of the line. If the line is linear, proceed to step 7).

4) If necessary, linearise the data. The linearization process (working) must be typed in the lab
report.

5) If linearization was necessary, create a processed data table to include the linearised values for
each trial and each value of the independent variable. In the table, recalculate the averages and
standard deviations of all trials for the linearised data.

6) If linearization was necessary, plot the linearised data on a suitably-formatted graph. Add a
suitable line of best fit to the graph and include the equation of the line.

7) Use the data point values and the error bars at the extreme ends of the data range to calculate
the coordinates of the endpoints of the lines of maximum and minimum gradient.

8) Plot the lines of maximum and minimum gradient as lines with equations. Do not plot the
endpoints. Include the equations of these lines.

9) Perform a graphical error analysis to find the gradient, together with its absolute uncertainty, and
the intercept, together with its absolute uncertainty.

10) If necessary, calculate any derived quantity together with its uncertainty (e.g. the value of g, in
the pendulum experiment, using the best fit, maximum and minimum values of the gradient).

11) Use the original (non-linear) equation from step 3) as the basis for a further calculation to
propagate the instrumental uncertainties and determine the theoretical uncertainty in the required
quantities.

Conclusion

Always state the original (non-linear) equation, together with the graphical uncertainty in its
coefficients, clearly at the start of the conclusion.

Refer to the checklist and rubric for further details.

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