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Chapter 03 Graphs

The document provides guidelines for plotting graphs to present experimental data effectively, emphasizing the importance of recording data in tables, choosing suitable scales, and plotting accurately. It explains concepts such as precision, best-fit lines, gradients, and y-intercepts. The document also highlights the significance of selecting appropriate scales for manual plotting to ensure clarity in data representation.

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ssookdial
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6 views6 pages

Chapter 03 Graphs

The document provides guidelines for plotting graphs to present experimental data effectively, emphasizing the importance of recording data in tables, choosing suitable scales, and plotting accurately. It explains concepts such as precision, best-fit lines, gradients, and y-intercepts. The document also highlights the significance of selecting appropriate scales for manual plotting to ensure clarity in data representation.

Uploaded by

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

Chapte
r
Graphs are a powerful way
to present experimental
data in an orderly and
visual form for easy
reading and interpretation.
They are also very useful in
displaying the relationship
between variables.
The following are useful guidelines for graph plotting:

1. Record the experimental data and calculated values in a


table.
2. Determine the minimum and maximum value of each variable
to be plotted.
3. Choose a suitable scale for each axis in order to include all
the data and also to maximise the use of the graph paper.
4. Plot the data on the graph.

Chapter 3: Graphs
Table of Values

Data are usually recorded in a table format. A table of value consists


of a header followed by the data itself.
The header comprises of:
• an optional descriptor
• the symbol that represents the variable and the unit associated
with the variable.

Chapter 3: Graphs
Precision
The precision of a coordinate on the graph is given by half the
smallest square. Hence, a larger scale would give higher
precision.

Best-fit line
The simplest way to draw a best-fit line is by visual inspection,
where a line is drawn in such a way that the data points are
evenly distributed on both sides of the line.

Chapter 3: Graphs
Gradient
The gradient of a straight line is defined as the ratio of the
vertical distance to the horizontal distance.
Consider the points P (x1, y1) and Q (x2, y2) in the diagram below.

To find the gradient of the line,

Gradient, m = y2 –y1
x2 – x1

y-intercept
The y-intercept of a line is the point where the line
intersects the y-axis at x = 0. The coordinate of the
y-intersect is given by (0, c)

Chapter 3: Graphs
Determining the y-intercept
The y-intercept can be read off the graph at the point where the
vertical axis at x = 0 intercepts with the line. Alternatively, the
y-intercept can be calculated.

Scale
For manual plotting, the scale chosen has to be such that the
data points can be plot easily and the coordinates easily read.
Scales where the smallest division is represented by 1, 2 or 5
units should be chosen.
Chapter 3: Graphs

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