2. Graphing Data
Once the data is collected, it is necessary to determine the relationship between the two variables in the experiment. You will construct a graph (or sometimes a series of graphs) from your data table in order to determine thee relationship between the independent and dependent variables. An example follows which describes a graph produced from the formal data table created earlier.
For each relationship that is being investigated in your experiment, you should prepare the appropriate graph. In general your graphs in physics are of a type known as scatter graphs. The graphs will be used to give you a conceptual understanding of the relationship between the variables, and will usually be used to help you formulate a mathematical statement which describes that relationship. Graphs should include each of the elements listed on the following pages.