How to Graph Data LC Higher Physics

Copyright Dee Maguire CBS,

Kilkenny
For non-commercial purposes only.. Enjoy!
Comments/suggestions please to the SLSS physics website forum @ http://physics.slss.ie/forum

Graphing data

420 409 371 342 325 291 244

Sometimes students think it is a straightforward matter of graphing one line of data against the other.

30

40

50

60 70

80

90

 In
420 409 371 342 325 291 244

fact there are several major errors in this graph many can you spot?

How

30

40

50

60 70

80

90

 Here
420 409 371 342 325 291 244

are some hints..

30

40

50

60 70

80

90

 So,

it may not be as simple as graphing the exact data that is in the exam question

..but

there are a number of guidelines to help you

 Lets

have another quick look at the relevant wording of the question

 The

word suitable is important. This is usually a strong hint that the data in the table needs to be manipulated a bit before you graph it

That

means that you may have to square the values of one line of dataor maybe halve it or double it etc, before you try to graph it

 To

decide how to manipulate the data, you must refer back to the formula that is relevant to that experiment

In

the example above, the relevant formula is:

1 s ut at 2

Graphing data
when a body falls freely under gravity u = 0 and a = g

1 s ut at 2

=> s = gt2 Here, we have the link between s and t

Note: the t is squared This means we also need to square the t values to ensure we get a straight line graph

Add a new line to the table and square the t values, using your calculator

t2/s2

0.0595 0.085

0.106

0.117

0.138

0.167

0.176

Note: the units for t are also squared

Now you are ready to draw the graph. There are a few easy things you can do straight away:

(i)

Ask for graph paper

(no marks otherwise!)

(ii) Title the graph (iii) Decide what data will go on each axis (iv) Title the axes
(include units)

Graphing data
(i) Ask for graph paper (deducted most marks otherwise!) ..seriously!

Graphing data
(ii) Title the graph
You can find a very suitable one in the question

Graphing data
(iii) Decide what data will go on each axis As a rule, their top line is your bottom line so s will go on the x axis

t2/s2

0.0595 0.085

0.106

0.117

0.138

0.167

0.176

Dont forget to convert to SI units!

To measure g, the acceleration due to gravity, by freefall

So far the graph looks like this. .on graph paper.. naturally!
s / cm

Graphing data
From

the formula, we know we need s and t2, so the middle line of data is not used in the graph.

t2/s2

0.0595 0.085

0.106

0.117

0.138

0.167

0.176

The y axis will hold the t2 values. Also quote the correct units (s2)

To measure g, the acceleration due to gravity, by freefall

t2 / s2

. .on graph paper..

naturally!

s /cm

Graphing data
The

next stage is VERY IMPORTANT Lets have another look at the data we now want to plot.start with s

t2/s2

0.0595 0.085

0.106

0.117

0.138

0.167

0.176

Graphing data

The values go from 30 up to 90. ..but you MUST start at zero

Use as much of your graph sheet as possible but make sure you go at least as far as 90ideally up to 100 You must make equal sized intervals along your x axis

To measure g, the acceleration due to gravity, by freefall

t2 / s2

0.1

0.2 0.3

0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7

0.8

0.9

1.0 s /cm

Now decide on how your y axis will be divided.

0.0595 0.085 0.106 0.117 0.138 0.167 0.176

t2/s2

The values go from approx 0.06 to 0.17..but you MUST start at zero
You must go AT LEAST AS FAR as 0.176 Try to use as much of the page as possible, using EQUAL sized divisions

Do NOT write the above readings on your graph!!!!!!!!!

To measure g, the acceleration due to gravity, by freefall

180000

t2 / s2
160000 140000 120000 100000 80000 60000 40000 20000 0

Now, start plotting your points

Identify a point by placing a dot exactly at the point, and draw a small circle around it to highlight it

0.1

0.2 0.3

0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7

0.8

0.9

1.0

s /m

 You

must NEVER..join-the-dots!

Always

pick a best-fit line. If the dots dont form an EXACT straight line, make sure there is the same number of dots on each side of the line.

To measure g, the acceleration due to gravity, by freefall

180000 ms2 160000 140000 120000 100000 80000 60000 40000 20000

t2 /

0.1

0.2 0.3

0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7

0.8

0.9

1.0

s /m

To measure g, the acceleration due to gravity, by freefall

0.18

t2 / s2
0.16 0.14 0.12 0.10 0.08 0.06 0.04 0.02

0.1

0.2 0.3

0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7

0.8

0.9

1.0

s /cm

 To

read a slope from the graph, take two points ON THE LINE, (not from the table) that are far apart we can use the origin as one of these points use the formula: y y slope = x x
2 1 2 1

Usually

Then

To measure g, the acceleration due to gravity, by freefall

0.18

t2 / s2
0.16

(90, 0.176
0.14 0.12 0.10 0.08 0.06 0.04 0.02

(0,0)

0.1

0.2 0.3

0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7

0.8

0.9

1.0

s /m

y y Slope x x
2 2

0.176 0 0.9 0 0.196

From the graph the units are: From the formula

1 s ut at 2 1 s 0 gt 2 1 s gt 2
2 2

y s x m
2
2

y t 2 slope x s g 2 2 g 10.2 m/s slope 0.196

2

Other suitable graphs

A number of other data experiments will require you to plot a suitable graph Make sure to consider carefully what you will plot

Study the next few examples and decide what should be plotted on y and x axes. Also determine how to get slope Study how many graphs are straight lines

Suitable graphs 1

Boyles Law: You will be supplied with P and V measurements. What will you plot against what?

ANS: P against 1/V

1/V

Suitable graphs 2

Measure g, using pendulum You will be supplied with l and T measurements. What will you plot against what? What is slope?

ANS: l against T2

Slope = y/x = l /T2 = g/4

T2

Suitable graphs 3

Measure fundamental freq. against length You will be supplied with f and

l measurements
What is slope?

What will you plot against what?

ANS: f against 1/ l Slope = y/x = f/(1/l) = (T/)

1/

Suitable graphs 4

Measure fundamental freq. against Tension You will be supplied with f and T measurements. What will you plot against what? What is slope?

ANS: f against T Slope = y/x = f/T = 1/(2L)

Suitable graphs 5

Measure f of concave mirror or converging lens You will be supplied with u and v measurements. What will you plot against what?

ANS: 1/v against 1/u To get f: Rather than use slope, take any point on line (1/u,1/v) = (x,y), then 1/f = 1/u + 1/v = x+y
1/v (1/u, 1/v)

1/u

Suitable graphs 6

Verify Snells Law You will be supplied with <i and <r measurements. (or possibly Real depth and Apparent depth) What will you plot against what? What is slope?

ANS: Sin i against Sin r (or real against apparent) Slope = y/x = Sin i/Sin r = n = refractive index

Sin i

Sin r

Suitable graphs 7

Joules Law: You will be supplied with and I measurements What will you plot against what? What is slope?

ANS: against I2

Slope: y/x = /I2 = Rt/mc

I2

In summary.

Do it on graph paper Use a formula to help you decide what goes where (Their top line is your bottom line) Title the graph and the axes Include units on the axes

Divide your axes correctly Plot your points

Use slope formula to get required information

And finally..

 If

you make a mistake on your division of axes etc, it is often quicker and neater to start again

.Ask

for more graph paper