BRAINCAKEPlotting Graphs
A well-drawn graph makes patterns clear and lets you find gradients and intercepts accurately. Examiners check the following.
Axes: plot the independent variable (the one you change) on the x-axis and the dependent variable (the one you measure) on the y-axis. Label each axis with the quantity and its unit, separated by a solidus, for example t / s or V / V.
Scales: choose linear scales that are easy to read, using 1, 2 or 5 units (or multiples of ten of these) per large square. Avoid awkward scales such as 3 or 7 per square. The plotted points should cover at least half of the grid in each direction. The origin does not have to be included unless you need the intercept.
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More in Measurements and Uncertainties
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All 12 lessons in Measurements and Uncertainties · All OCR AS-level Physics topics