Teachers Notes
This sequence of slides is designed to introduce, and explain,
the idea of Graphs in practical work, as explained on
pages 363-364 in New Physics for You, 2006 edition or later.
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).
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How Science works:
Graphs
New Physics for You, pages 363-4
About different types of graphs,
How to draw them when you
are doing your practical work,
How to interpret the different shapes.
Learning Objectives
You should learn :
Drawing a graph
When should
I draw a
bar-chart?
and when
should I draw a
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
x
x
Re-check each one before your next step.
Usually you need
5 or more points
for the graph.
5 steps in drawing a graph
3. If the points form a straight line
draw the best straight line through them
x
x
x
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
You can decide to ignore anomalous points.
This is called an
anomalous point.
x
x
x
x
x
x
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.
Lets look at some examples of graphs
Types of graphs
A straight line graph:
Types of graphs 1
An example would be
the length of a spring
against the weight on it.
weight
l
e
n
g
t
h
l
e
n
g
t
h
weight
Types of graphs 2
A special case is when the
straight line goes through the origin :
origin
In this case the
two quantities are
directly proportional.
If one doubles,
then the other one
also doubles.
See page 390.
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.
e
x
t
e
n
s
i
o
n
weight
Types of graphs 2
Example 2: the current in a resistor
against the p.d. across it.
c
u
r
r
e
n
t
voltage
This illustrates Ohms 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.
v
e
l
o
c
i
t
y
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.
c
u
r
r
e
n
t
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.
a
c
t
i
v
i
t
y
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.
a
c
c
e
l
e
r
a
t
i
o
n
time
This is discussed in the next PowerPoint.
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.
Learning Outcomes
You should now:
For more details, see:
New Physics for You, page 364, 391
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