Scribd
Upload
27 views30 pages

WorkingScientifically Graphs

This PowerPoint presentation introduces graphs and how to draw and interpret them when doing practical work in physics. It explains the different types of graphs like straight line graphs, curved graphs that rise or fall, and how to identify the shape. The presentation shows examples of graphs and their physics applications. It provides steps for drawing a line graph accurately and interpreting anomalous points.

Uploaded by

Zainab
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
27 views30 pages

WorkingScientifically Graphs

This PowerPoint presentation introduces graphs and how to draw and interpret them when doing practical work in physics. It explains the different types of graphs like straight line graphs, curved graphs that rise or fall, and how to identify the shape. The presentation shows examples of graphs and their physics applications. It provides steps for drawing a line graph accurately and interpreting anomalous points.

Uploaded by

Zainab
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 30

Teacher’s Notes

This sequence of slides is designed to introduce, and explain,


the idea of Graphs in practical work, as explained on
pages 363-364, 393 in Physics for You, 5th edition.

Note : When you start this PowerPoint if you see a message about “Read-only embedded fonts” then you
are recommended to select “Open Read-Only” as this (i) gives a clearer font for those
at the back of the room and (ii) ensures that the text-highlighting of key words is correct.

On each slide the key points are revealed step by step,


at the click of your mouse (or the press of a key such as the space-bar).

Before making the next mouse-click you can ask questions of the class
or make statements about what is about to be revealed.
This should help students to become clearer about the ideas involved.
Naturally it pays to have quick practice-run first.

To start the slide-show, press function-key F5


(or right-click->Full Screen)
(to return to ‘normal view’ press the <Esc> key).

For more (free) PowerPoint presentations, visit www.physics4u.co.uk


Working Scientifically:

Graphs
Physics for You, 5th edition,
pages 363-364, 393
Learning Objectives

You should learn :

• About different types of graphs,

• How to draw them when you


are doing your practical work,

• How to interpret the different shapes.


Drawing a graph
When
…andshould
when
I drawI adraw a
should
bar-chart
line-graph…? ?
Drawing a graph
Look at the table of your results:

If this column has


• only certain fixed values,
use a bar-chart:

• a continuous range of values,


use a line-graph:
Drawing a graph
What is the best
way to draw a
line-graph?
5 steps in drawing a graph

1. Choose simple scales.


For example:
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.
5 steps in drawing a graph

1. Choose simple scales.


Put the dependent variable on
the ‘y-axis’

and
the independent variable on the ‘x-axis’
5 steps in drawing a graph

2. Plot the points neatly.


To mark the points we usually use an X

x
x
x
x
Usually you need 5 x
or more points for
x
the graph.

Re-check each one before your next step.


5 steps in drawing a graph

3. If the points form a straight line…


…draw the best straight line through them

x
f it ’ x
e s t
of b x
l i ne
‘ x
x
x

Check that it looks the best straight line.


5 steps in drawing a graph

4. If the points form a curve…


…draw a free-hand curve of best fit

Do not join the points like a ‘dot-to-dot’.


5 steps in drawing a graph

5. If a point is not on the line…


…use your apparatus to check this measurement
again
x
x x
x
This is called an
x
anomalous point.
x

You can decide to ignore anomalous points.


5 steps in drawing a graph
In summary:
1. Choose good scales,
with the dependent variable on the y-axis
2. Plot the points carefully
3. Draw a line of best fit
using a ruler for a straight line graph,
4. or draw free-hand for a curved graph
5. Check anomalous points.
Types of graphs

Let’s look at some examples of graphs


Types of graphs 1

A straight line graph:

length
length

weight
weight
An example would be
the length of a spring
against the weight on it.
Types of graphs 2
A special case is when the
straight line goes through the origin :

In this case the


two quantities are
directly proportional.

If one doubles,
origin then the other one
also doubles.
See page 392.
Types of graphs 2

If you think your graph should go through the origin,


then draw it exactly through the origin.
Types of graphs 2

Example 1: the extension of a spring


against the weight on it.
extension

weight
Types of graphs 2

Example 2: the current in a resistor


against the p.d. across it.
current

voltage

This illustrates Ohm’s Law.


Types of graphs 3

A curved graph, rising :

The dependent
variable rises
quickly at first

and then more slowly

Here are some examples:


Types of graphs 3

Example 1: the velocity of a falling object


against the time.
velocity

time

Eventually the object will reach its terminal velocity.


Types of graphs 3

Example 2: the current in a filament lamp


against the p.d.
current

voltage
Types of graphs 4

A curved graph, falling :

The dependent
variable falls
quickly at first

and then more slowly

Here are some examples:


Types of graphs 4

Example 1: the activity of a radioactive source


against the time.
activity

time
The time to fall to half is called the half-life.
Types of graphs 4

Example 2: the rate of change is shown by


the gradient of the graph.
acceleration

time
This is discussed in the next PowerPoint.
Learning Outcomes
You should now:
• Know how to draw a line-graph correctly,
• Be able to give examples of graphs
with different shapes,
• Be able to interpret graphs with
different shapes.
For more details, see:

 Physics for You, 5th edition, page 364, 393

For more free PowerPoints, visit

 the web-site at www.physics4u.co.uk


If you are connected to the web at the
moment, click below to see what’s
available:
http://www.physics4u.co.uk/

You might also like