GRAPHS

1) What is a graph?
Graphs show: a) RATE at which things happen (e.g. position vs time graph
shows RATE of change of position:-
b) RELATIONSHIP between variables (eg pressure vs volume
graph shows RELATIONSHIP between P and V: that pressure is
inversely proportional to volume)
c) REPRESENTATION of the data visually, so it is easy to see
relationships and trends. (Common in Life Science)

A GRAPH is NOT a PHOTOGRAPH. It is NOT a picture of the landscape, hills and valleys etc!

2) What graph skills are expected of you in exams?

1. To be able to analyse and explain trends in a given sketch-graph.
2. To be able to read values, gradient & intercept from a given accurate graph.
3. To be able to draw a sketch graph of a given situation.
4. To be able to plot an accurate graph on graph-paper provided.

3) Types of graphs:

Straight-line y = mx + c vf = at + vi (eg velocity-time)

2 2
Parabola y = ax + bx + c a) t + vi t (eg position-time with acceleration)
Hyperbola y=k/x P=k/V (eg pressure-volume)
Inverse square y = k/ x2 F = k / r2 (eg force-distance with gravitation)
Sine y = sin x V = V0 (eg voltage-time for alt. current)
Exponential y = ex I = I0 e-t/RC (eg current-time for a charging capacitor)
Circle, ellipse, cubic Not commonly used in science experiments

4) How to go about drawing a graph: (T.A.L.S.I.P.P !)

a) T choose an appropriate TITLE
b) A select variables to go on the AXES. Dependant (Y) and independent (X)
c) L LABELS for axes, with Units
d) S Choose a SCALE which allows the graph to fill as much of the page as possible.
e) I INTERVALS: Use the scale to determine how much each small block equals
f) P PLOT your data from the table onto the graph carefully checking the order ( X & Y )
g) P PLOT the best fit line (or curve) for the data points. Calculate intercept and gradient.

Worked examples involving all these steps will be done with experiments.

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 STRAIGHT LINE GRAPHS: GRADIENT AND INTERCEPT
From Maths: the equation for a
straight line graph is in the form:
y = mx + c
This contains two variables, and two constants as follows:

We can also calculate the gradient

from two points on the graph:

Using the points 1 & 2 on the graph:

- Point 1 is: (0; 2) (the y-intercept)
- Point 2 is: (4; 8)

So:

Graphs in Physics are usually only in

the first quadrant (as quantities are
usually only positive)

Graphs with no X-intercept (m = 0) Graphs with Y-intercept, (c) = 0

In this case y is constant and not affected by x in any In this case y directly proportional to x
way, so the quantities are not related. Gradient m = 0. and the y-intercept: c = 0
E.g. v is constant and not related to t when a = 0 E.g. Velocity (vf) is directly proportional to t when vi = 0

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 MOTION GRAPHS: EXAM EXAMPLE (NOV 2019)

QUESTION 3
-1
Stone A from the edge of the roof of a 40 m
high building, as shown in the diagram below.
Ignore the effects of air friction.
Take the ground as reference.
3.1 Define the term free fall. (2)
3.2 Calculate the maximum HEIGHT ABOVE THE
GROUND reached by stone A. (4)
3.3 Write down the magnitude and direction of the
acceleration of stone A at this maximum height. (2)
Stone B is dropped from rest from the edge of the roof, x
seconds after stone A was thrown upwards.
3.4 Stone A passes stone B when the two stones are
29,74 m above the ground. Calculate the value of x.
(6)

3.5 The graphs of position versus time for part of the motion of both stones are shown below.

Which of labels a to h on the graphs shown represents EACH of the following?

3.5.1 The time at which stone A had positive velocity? (1)

3.5.2 The maximum height reached by stone A? (1)
3.5.3 The time when stone B was dropped? (1)
3.5.4 The height at which the stones pass each other? (1) [18]

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 MOTION GRAPHS: EXAM EXAMPLE (NOV 2020)

QUESTION 3

A small ball is dropped from a height of 2 m and bounces a few times after landing on a cement
floor. Ignore air friction.

The position-time graph below, not drawn to scale, represents the motion of the ball.

3.1 Define the term free fall. (2)

3.2 Use the graph and determine:

3.2.1 The time that the ball is in contact with the floor before the first
bounce (2)

3.2.2 The time it takes the ball to reach its maximum height after the first
bounce (2)

3.2.3 The speed at which the ball leaves the floor at the first bounce (3)

3.2.4 Time t indicated on the graph (6)

[15]

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 MOTION GRAPHS: EXAM EXAMPLE (NOV 2018)

QUESTION 3
In a competition, participants must attempt to throw a ball vertically upwards past point T,
marked on a tall vertical pole. Point T is 3.7 m above the ground. Point T may, or may not,
be the highest point during the motion of the ball.

One participant throws the ball vertically upwards at a velocity of 7.5 m·s-1 from a point
that is 1.6 m above the ground, as shown in the diagram below. Ignore the effects of air
resistance.

3.1 In which direction is the net force acting on the ball while it moves towards point T?
Choose from: UPWARDS or DOWNWARDS. Give a reason for the answer. (2)

3.2 Calculate the time taken by the ball to reach its highest point. (3)

3.3 Determine, by means of a calculation, whether the ball will pass point T or not. (6)

3.4 Draw a velocity-time graph for the motion of the ball from the instant it is thrown
upwards until it reaches its highest point

Indicate the following on your graph:

The initial and final velocity
Time taken to reach the highest point
(2)

[13]

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 INTERNAL RESISTANCE GRAPHS: EXAM EXAMPLE (NOV 2014)
QUESTION 8
8.1 A group of learners conduct an experiment to determine the emf ( ) and internal resistance
(r) of a battery. They connect a battery to a rheostat (variable resistor), a low-resistance
ammeter and a high-resistance voltmeter as shown in the diagram below. The data
obtained from the experiment is displayed in the table below:

S
A

8.1.1 State ONE factor which must be kept constant during the experiment. (1)
8.1.2 Using the information in the table above, plot the points and draw the line of (3)
best fit on the attached GRAPH SHEET.

Use the graph drawn in QUESTION 8.1.2 to determine the following:

8.1.3 (1)
8.1.4 Internal resistance of the battery, WITHOUT USING EQUATION = I(R + r) (3)
[8]

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