The Student Guide to Graphical Analysis

Graphical analysis is a vital skill in any scientists tool belt! Understanding how to create and interpret a graph allows you to dive into a deep exploration and how it works. This guide was written to help physics students learn how to collect data in an organized and systematic way, graph that data in a way that makes it easier to interpret, and analyze these graphs to develop models of the physical world. Click on one of the links below to get started!

1. Recording Data

• 1.1 Designing a Controlled Experiment

• 1.2 Recording Raw Data

• 1.3 Formal Data Tables and Sample Calculations

• 1.4 Summary: Characteristics of Good Data Recording

2. Graphing Data

• 2.1 Elements of Good Graphs

• 2.2 Summary: Characteristics of a Good Graph

3. Graphical Analysis

• 3.1 Interpreting the Graph

• 3.2 No Relation

• 3.3 Linear Relations

• 3.4 Linear Relationships with a y-intercept

• 3.5 Direct Proportions

• 3.6 Square Relations: Top Opening Parabolas

• 3.7 Square Relations: Side Opening Parabolas

• 3.8 Inverse Relations

• 3.9 Area Under the Curve

• 3.10 Summary: Mathematical Models from Graphs

This guide was written by Deborah and Rex Rice, and it was adapted for online use by Joe Milliano.