Plotting Graphs (Edexcel International A Level Physics)

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Plotting Graphs

  • When plotting graphs, it is important to consider the importance of the following factors:
    • Selecting appropriate scales
    • Labelling axes with quantities and units
    • Carefully plotting the points

Choice of Scale

  • When choosing a scale, it must be big enough to accommodate all the collected values using as much of the graph paper as possible
  • At least half of the graph grid should be occupied in both the x and y directions
  • Scales should be clearly indicated and have suitable, sensible ranges that are easy to work with
    • For example, scales with multiples of 3 should be avoided

  • The scales should increase outwards and upwards from the origin
  • Each axis should be labelled with the quantity that is being plotted, along with the correct unit

Labelling the Axes

  • Label each axis with the name of the quantity and its unit
    • For example, F / N means force measured in Newtons

  • The convention is that a forward slash ( / ) is used to separate the quantity and the unit
  • In general:
    • The independent variable goes on the x-axis
    • The dependent variable goes on the y-axis

    Example Graph sketch

Example of labelled axes with the name of the variable, its symbol and its unit

Plotting the Points

  • Points should be plotted so that they all fit on the graph grid and not outside it
  • All values should be plotted, and the points must be precise to within half a small square
  • Points must be clear, and not obscured by the line of best fit, and they need to be plotted with a sharp pencil so that they are thin
  • There should be at least six points plotted on the graph, with any major outliers identified

Line or Curve of Best Fit

  • There should be equal numbers of points above and below the line of best fit
    • Using a clear plastic ruler will help with this

  • Not all lines will pass through the origin and nor should they be forced to
  • The line (or curve) of best fit should not be too thick or joined dot-to-dot like a frequency polygon
  • Anomalous values that have not been identified during the implementation stage should be ignored if they are obviously incorrect
    • This is because they will have a large effect on the gradient of the line of best fit

Determining the y-intercept

  • The y-intercept is the y value obtained where the line crosses the y-axis at x = 0
  • Values should be read accurately from the graph, with the scale on the y-axis being interpreted correctly

Worked example

A student investigates the effect of placing an electric fan in front of a wind turbine. The wind turbine is connected to a voltmeter. When the wind turbine turns, it generates voltage. The student obtains the following results:Graph Worked Example Table, downloadable AS & A Level Physics revision notesPlot the student’s results on the grid and draw a curve of best fit on the graph.Graph Worked Example Grid, downloadable AS & A Level Physics revision notes

Step 1: Identify the independent and dependent variables

    • Independent variable = blade angle / °
    • Dependent variable = voltage / V

Step 2: Choose an appropriate scale

    • The range of the blade angle is 0 – 90°
    • Ideally, every small square represents 10°

    • The range of the voltage is 0 – 2.2 V
    • Ideally, each small square represents 0.5 V

    • Both axes should occupy at least 50% of the grid

Step 3: Label the axes

    • The dependent variable (voltage / V) goes on the y-axis
    • The independent variable (blade angle / °) goes on the x-axis
    • Both axes should be labelled with a quantity and a unit

Step 4: Plot the points

    • Each point should be accurate within half a small square

Graph Worked Example Ans 1, downloadable AS & A Level Physics revision notes

Step 5: Draw a curve of best fit

    • The curve should be smooth with a roughly equal distribution of points on either side of the curve
    • It must start at (0,0) and peak at (20, 2.2)

Graph Worked Example Ans 2, downloadable AS & A Level Physics revision notes

Examiner Tip

Remember that 'sketching' and 'plotting' a graph are two different command words

  • 'Sketch' means – Produce a freehand drawing. For a graph, this would require a line and labelled axis with important features indicated, the axes are not scaled.
  • 'Plot' means – Produce a graph by marking points accurately on a grid from data that is provided and then drawing a line of best fit through these points. A suitable scale and appropriately labelled axes must be included if these are not provided in the question

The difference between these two command words is the use of scales. A plotted graph has scaled axes, whilst a sketch doesn't have to be but both times the axes should be clearly labelled

Logarithmic Scales

  • Graphs can be logarithmic in nature
  • A logarithmic (log) scale is a non-linear scale often used for analysing a large range of quantities
    • The log of a number is always greater than 1, so all log values are only positive
    • Hence, when drawing a log-log graph, the graph will only have a positive quadrant
  • Often, in practicals, if the log of a value is required, then a separate column is needed in the data table to calculate this, for example:

Table of Results Using ln

Capacitor Worked Example Experiment Table (2)

A separate column is often needed to calculate ln(V)

  • In the above case, the potential difference V is determined from a voltmeter, but the ln(V) values are calculated using a calculator
  • The most common example of this in A level physics is in:
    • Radioactive decay
    • capacitor charge and discharge equations

Using Natural logs (ln)

  • Taking natural logs (ln) of an equation with an exponential function means the equation can become linear i.e. in the form ymxc
  • Straight-line graphs tend to be more useful than curves for interpreting data
    • Gradients and intercepts are useful values that can be seen from a straight-line graph 
  • Nuclei decay exponentially, therefore, to achieve a straight-line plot, logarithms can be used
  • Take the exponential decay equation for the number of nuclei

N = N0 e–λt

  • Taking the natural logs of both sides

ln N = ln (N0e–λt) = ln (N0) + ln(e–λt)

ln N = ln (N0) − λt

  • In this form, this equation can be compared to the equation of a straight line

y = mx + c

ln N = − λt + ln (N0

  • Where:
    • y = ln (N) is plotted on the y-axis
    • x = t is plotted on the x-axis
    • gradient, m = −λ
    • y-intercept = ln (N0) is a constant

  • The exponential decay version of the equation could produce a curve, whilst the ln(N) equation produces a straight line

Half Life Decay Curves 1, downloadable AS & A Level Physics revision notesHalf Life Decay Curves 2, downloadable AS & A Level Physics revision notes

Linear decay curve vs. a log graph

Examiner Tip

Remember that log and ln are subtly different! There are two different functions on your calculator.

  • By default, log is to the base 10, log10 E.g., log 100 = log10 100 = 2
    • This is very rarely used, if at all, in A level physics
  • 'ln' is just log to the base e (the exponential function). Therefore, ln = loge E.g., ln(ex) = loge(ex) = x
    • Therefore, if you ever have an exponential function, e in the equation - use 'ln' and not 'log'

'ln' follows all the same laws of logarithms of addition, subtraction and power. You can find more in the 'Logarithmic Function' A level Maths notes here on Save My Exams

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Ashika

Author: Ashika

Expertise: Physics Project Lead

Ashika graduated with a first-class Physics degree from Manchester University and, having worked as a software engineer, focused on Physics education, creating engaging content to help students across all levels. Now an experienced GCSE and A Level Physics and Maths tutor, Ashika helps to grow and improve our Physics resources.