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INTERNATIONAL GCSE
Physics (9-1)
GRAPHS
(Lesson Note)
Prepared by:
Mrs. Sakunika Perera
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Entering Data into a Table
Each column should be labeled with the variable
name and, if applicable, the unit of measurement
(e.g., "Temperature (°C)" or "Distance (m)").
Independent variables should be arranged either in
ascending or descending order to facilitate analysis.
Ensure that all data entries within the same column
have the same number of significant figures for
consistency and accuracy in reporting.
Types of Variables
There are two types of variables
Independent variables : An independent variable is one that is altered or
controlled by the experimenter to observe its effect on another variable. It causes
changes in the dependent variable.
Dependent variables : It is the variable that is measured or observed in an
experiment
For example:
The speed of a vehicle is measured over time. Therefore, time is the independent
variable, as its intervals are determined by the experimenter. The speed recorded is
the dependent variable as it depends on when it is measured.
Describing the relationship between two variables
Here are some terms commonly used to describe the relationship between two
variables:
Directly Proportional: As one variable increases, the other increases at a
constant rate (Y = mX , y/x = constant).
0
0 X
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Inversely Proportional: As one variable increases, the other decreases at a
constant rate ( Y*X = constant) .
0
0 X
Linear Relationship: Any graph that shows a straight line.
Y Y Y
0 0 0
0 X 0 X 0 X
Non-linear Relationship: Any graph that shows a curve
Y Y Y
0 0 0
0 X 0 X 0 X
Positive Correlation: Any graph that shows an increase in Y as X increases can
be either a straight line or a curved line.
Y Y Y
0 0 0
0 X 0 X 0 X
Negative Correlation (Inverse relationship): Any graph that shows a decrease
in Y as X increases can be either a straight line or a curved line.
Y Y Y
0 0 0
0 X 0 X 0 X
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Directly Proportional
A directly proportional graph has several distinctive features:
Straight Line (Linear Relationship): The graph is a straight line
Passing through the origin (0, 0)
Constant Ratio: The ratio between the two variables (y/x) remains constant,
meaning that the graph follows the equation y = mx.
Example : Doubling one variable results in doubling the other.
Y
0
X
0
Inversely Proportional
An inversely proportional graph has several key features:
Curved Line : The graph is a curve that approaches the axes but never touches
them.
Negative Slope: As one variable increases, the other variable decreases,
resulting in a downward slope.
X and Y do not reach zero but go to infinity: The ends of the graph do not
touch Y and X axes.
Constant Product: The product of the two variables remains constant
(Y*X = constant ) Y
0
X
0
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Line Graphs
(Straight lines or Curved lines)
Line graphs are used for showing trends over time or continuous data.
1. Gather Data: Collect the data you want to represent. Ensure you have pairs of
values (e.g., X and Y coordinates).
2. Label Axes: Draw two perpendicular lines to form the axes. Label each axis with
the variable it represents (name or the symbol of the variable), including
appropriate units of measurement. Example : Speed / ms-1 , t /s
3. Determine Scale: Decide on a scale for each axis based on the range of your
data. Mark equal intervals (e.g., 1, 2, 3) along each axis. A scale that is too large
or small may lead to an inaccurate representation. Aim to use at least three-
quarters of the grid space for the scale.
4. Plot Points: For each pair of values, locate the corresponding point on the graph
and mark it with a dot , cross or a dotted circle.
5. Best fit : The "best fit" of a graph refers to a line or curve that most accurately
represents the trend of the plotted data points, providing a clear depiction of the
relationship between the variables. The line of best fit can be either a straight
line or a curved line.
Straight line of best fit : If the trend is linear, use a ruler to draw a straight line
that best represents the data. The line should balance the points above and
below it. Avoid connecting the points directly, as this will not yield the best fit.
Correct Wrong
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Curve of best fit : A curved line of best fit is a line that represents the trend of
data points in a nonlinear relationship. Unlike a straight line, a curved line can
follow the shape of the data more accurately when the relationship between
the variables is not constant or linear
Correct Wrong
Example :
The graph below receives full marks (5 marks):
- Both axes labeled: 1 mark
- Correct scales on both axes: 1 mark
- Points plotted: 1 mark
- Best fit line: 1 mark
- Thin and sharp line or curve: 1 mark
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Bar Graphs
Bar graphs are used for comparing categories or distinct groups.
1. Label Axes: Label the x-axis with the categories or groups you are comparing.
Label the y-axis with the scale of values (example : numbers representing
amounts or percentages)
2. Determine Scale: Decide on a range for the y-axis, depending on your data.The
scale should be consistent and equally spaced. Aim to use at least three-
quarters of the grid space for the scale.
3. Draw Bar: For each category on the x-axis, draw a vertical rectangle (bar) that
corresponds to its value on the y-axis.Ensure the width of the bars is consistent
and leave some space between bars.
Calculating the Gradient of a Curve
At the point where you want to determine the gradient, draw a tangent line to the
curve. The tangent represents the slope of the curve at that exact point.
Choose two distinct points on the tangent line.
Use the coordinates of the two points to calculate the gradient of the tangent line.
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Calculating the Area Under a Curve
When calculating the area under a curve using the counting square method,
This methods provides an estimated value.
Calculate the area of one square.
Multiply the number of squares by the area of a single square.
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