O Name: Date: Physics MR . OMOLOJU INTERPRETING GRAPHS HOMEWORK # 2 Very often, the data you take in the physics lab will require graphing. The following are a few general instructions that you will find useful if you wish to receive maximum credit. 1. Each graph MUST have a TITLE. 2. Make the graph fairly large- use a full sheet of graph paper for each graph. SQUARE OFF the axes, i.e. the data you will plot should occupy about the same distance along each coordinate. By using this method, the nature of the relationship between the two variables will be more evident. 3. The variables you plot on a graph are named the independent and dependent variables. Unless otherwise stated, always plot the independent on the horizontal axis. 4. Draw the coordinate axes using a STRAIGHT EDGE. Each coordinate is to be labeled by both the name of the variable and the units of the measurement. 5. The NUMERICAL VALUE on each coordinate MUST INCREASE in the direction away from the origin. Choose a value scale for each coordinate that is easy to work with. The range of the values should be appropriate for the range of your data. Do not clutter the graph. 6. Circle each data point that you plot to indicate the uncertainty in the data measurement. 7. Draw a best fit smooth curve through your data points unless an abrupt change in slope is JUSTIFIABLY indicated by the data. The BEST-FIT curve should pass through the middle of the scattered data points. 8. Calculate the slope of the line for linear relationships: a. Ay = m Ax Be certain to show the units in your slope calculations and