When we collect data, whether it is two sets of variables where we are trying to establish relationships between them , or we collect multiple variables and were trying to identify various correlations between those samples, will use graphs to visualise those relationships.
However, it's important to know what type of data you are collecting and how you will represent that data in the form of graphs. It's also important to use those graphs to allow you to determine the mathematical relationships between the data sets you collect.
However, it's important to know what type of data you are collecting and how you will represent that data in the form of graphs. It's also important to use those graphs to allow you to determine the mathematical relationships between the data sets you collect.
|
Choosing the Right Graph
First we need to determine the appropriate graph types based on what type of variable you are analysing: nominal vs ordinal, discrete vs continuous: and thus bar graphs vs line graphs vs histograms. This video examines the different types of variables you encounter in data collection and then explains why certain graph types are used to represent that data. |
|
Linearizing Data
When we graph variables that have a relationship, the graph allows us to determine their mathematical relationship. linear y=mx square, y = mx2 inverse y = m/x or y = mx-1 inverse square. y = m/x2 or y=mx-2 But this is not always the case. In all the examples above, the power for y = 1, but it can be another power. It can also involve fractional powers, such as square roots, and exponential and logs.
For example, if we graph y vs x, and it is linear, the slope will be the constant of proportionality ie y = mx.
If we then extrapolate the line through to the y-axis, we can determine the coefficient
If the graph gives what appears to be parabola, then if we graph y vs x2, (as opposed to y vs x), we will also get a straight line, and thus the slope will give us its coefficient of proportionality, ie y = mx2
Many relationships in physics are relatively straightforward forward
|
|
Linearizing data is about determining the relationship between variables, specifically, the independent and dependent variables. In this video I show you how to turn non linear graphs to linear graphs and thus determine the mathematical equation that describes the variable.
|
