Analysing Quantitative Data (OCR A Level Physics)

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Katie M

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Katie M

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Analysing Quantitative Data

  • Maths is very important throughout the whole of physics
  • In particular, maths skills are required when dealing with data from experiments
  • The mathematical skills required for the analysis of quantitative data include:
    • Using standard form
    • Quoting to an appropriate number of significant figures
    • Calculating mean values
    • Graph skills

Using Standard Form

  • Often, physical quantities will be presented in standard form
  • This makes it easier to present numbers that are very large or very small without having to repeat many zeros
    • For example, the speed of light in a vacuum equal to 3.00 × 108 m s−1

  • It will also be necessary to know the prefixes for the numbers of ten

Using Significant Figures

  • Calculations must be reported to an appropriate number of significant figures
  • Also, all the data in a column should be quoted to the same number of significant figures

Significant Figures Table, downloadable AS & A Level Physics revision notes

It is important that the significant figures are consistent in data

Calculating Mean Values

  • When several repeat readings are made, it will be necessary to calculate a mean value
  • When calculating the mean value of measurements, it is acceptable to increase the number of significant figures by 1

Calculating Mean Values, downloadable AS & A Level Physics revision notes

Graph Skills

  • In several experiments during A-Level Physics, the aim is generally to find if there is a relationship between two variables
  • This can be done by translating information between graphical, numerical, and algebraic forms
    • For example, plotting a graph from data of displacement and time, and calculating the rate of change (instantaneous velocity) from the tangent to the curve at any point

  • Graph skills that will be expected during A-Level include:
    • Understanding that if a relationship obeys the equation of a straight-line y = mx + c then the gradient and the y-intercept will provide values that can be analysed to draw conclusions
    • Finding the area under a graph, including estimating the area under graphs that are not linear
    • Using and interpreting logarithmic plots
    • Drawing tangents and calculating the gradient of these
    • Calculating the gradient of a straight-line graph
    • Understanding where asymptotes may be required

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Katie M

Author: Katie M

Expertise: Physics

Katie has always been passionate about the sciences, and completed a degree in Astrophysics at Sheffield University. She decided that she wanted to inspire other young people, so moved to Bristol to complete a PGCE in Secondary Science. She particularly loves creating fun and absorbing materials to help students achieve their exam potential.