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JKNJ

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25 views21 pages

JKNJ

Uploaded by

Mal Eficent
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Unit 2.

3
Plotting a graph
Lesson Objective(s)

Learner should be able to:


• plot points on 2D Cartesian graph

• draw line/curve of best fit

• interpret a line graph


Table of results
Take note of the following when preparing
a table of results:
• Draw using a rule and a soft pencil.
• Use appropriate notation for headers
i.e. symbol/unit.
• Every column must have the same
number of dp.
• Be reasonable with your number of sf.
Time for 20 Oscillations, t/s Period
Length
T/s T2/s2
L/cm
t1 t2 tm

5.0 32.38 32.22 32.30 1.62 2.62

10.0 31.08 30.70 30.90 1.55 2.40

15.0 29.70 29.54 29.62 1.48 2.19

20.0 28.26 28.22 28.24 1.41 1.99

25.0 26.70 26.84 26.78 1.34 1.80

30.0 24.98 25.12 25.06 1.25 1.56


5 steps in drawing a graph
1. Choose simple scales.
Such as:
1 large square = 1 newton (1 N)
or
1 large square = 2 N, or 5 N, or 10 N
But never choose an awkward scale,
like 1 square = 3 N or 7 N

Choose a scale that will make your


graph use most of the sheet of paper.
Put the dependent
variable on the ‘y-axis’

and
the independent variable on the ‘x-axis’
2. Plot the points neatly.
To mark the points we usually use an x
or + or ʘ
+
+
Usually you
need at least 6
+
points for the
+
+
graph. +
3. If the points form a straight line…
…draw the line of best fit through them

+
+
+
‘line of best fit’
+
+
+

Use a transparent 30cm-rule to draw the line of


best fit
4. If the points form a curve…
…draw a free-hand curve of best fit
through them

+
+
+
+ ‘curve of best fit’

+
+
‘Hairy curves’ are not allowed.
Do not join the points ‘dot-to-dot’.
5. If a point is not on the line…
…use your apparatus to check this
measurement again.
This is known as an ‘anomalous’
reading.

You can decide to ignore anomalous


points by drawing rings round them.
anomalous result

x
x
x

x
x
Graph of T2 against x
T2/s2
3.0 Δx

2.5
ΔT2

2.0

1.5

0
0 10 20 30 40 x/cm
Variables
In any experiment there are 3 variables:

 an independent (or input) variable

 a dependent (or outcome) variable

 some control (or constants) variables


Independent (input) variable

This is the variable that you decide to


change.
Dependent (outcome) variable

This is the variable that changes as a


result of applying an independent variable.
It is the variable that you measure.
Control (constant) variables

These are all the variables that must not


change so that the tests are fair.
Example 1
Investigating how weight affects
length of an elastic band.

Independent variable - weight

Dependent variable - length of band

Control variables – length of band,


same scale etc.
Example 2
Investigating how rate of cooling of a
liquid depends on its initial temperature.

Independent variable – initial temperature

Dependent variable - temperature

Control variables – same beaker,


same amount of water, same room
temperature and same position in
the room.
Example 3
Investigating how current through a
resistor depends on voltage across it.

Independent variable - voltage

Dependent variable -
current
Control variables -
same circuit and same
temperature.
Tables
end

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