Only ‘/’ can be used to separate the heading label and its unit if the label has a unit. Exception could be V/(cms-1)
Pencil
If a table is not provided, you have to draw the table in pencil (not ink!) and ruler.
Data arrangement
The data collected has to be arranged in ascending or descending order.
Decimal place
Degree of accuracy in any vertical column has to be consistent, i.e if you record the metre rule reading up to 3 decimal places, all data in that column have to be recorded up to 3 decimal places (including zero). The magnitude is usually based on the precision of the instrument used unless otherwise stated.
No fraction
All data have to be recorded in decimal, not fraction.
Vertical columns
Vertical column tabulation is preferred most of the time.
Checklist for Graph:
Axes lines drawn on the printed line
Use mechanical pencils. Do not use 'zigzag' symbol along the axis.
Axes labelled with both quantity and unit
E.g., x/m or M/kg
Sensible scales
Use a sensible scale! That is, the scales for the axes should be based on sensible ratios, e.g. 2 cm on the graph paper representing 1, 2, 5 or 10 units of the variable (or 10, 20, 50 or 100 etc.). Never use 2 cm representing 3, 6, 7 units.
Widely distributed points
Your graph must be at least ¾ of the graph paper both length-wise and breadth-wise.
Regular scale markings
Mark every big square (2 cm). If the scales are given in the question, you must use them. You may NOT want to include the origin unless the question asks for it specifically.
At least 5-6 points for straight line
If you are verifying a straight-line relationship, have at least 5-6 points. To plot a curve requires more points(7 points and above). Take more neighbouring points for plotting of turning points.
Accurate, small points
Plot points carefully, use a cross ‘x’.
All points plotted
If you recorded 5 sets of data, then there should be 5 points on the graph.
A best-fit line/curve
The line should be as close to all the points as possible and there should be an equal number of points above and below the line/curve. Do not force a straight line through points which show an obvious curved trend.
A neat line
The line should be thin and very neat – no hairs or kinks. A graph should be drawn with a mechanical pencil. Your line must be extended beyond the first and last point on the graph.
Comments about unexpected results
If a point is obviously off the best-fit line, it can be ignored. Circle the anomalous point on the graph.
Gradient (Size)
The size of the gradient triangle must be at least half the page.
Gradient (Calculation)
Only points lying on the line of best fit can be used to calculate the line gradient. The two points must be as far apart as possible. Choose points that can be accurately read and not estimated. Calculation of the gradient should be to three significant figures.
Gradient (Coordinates)
Coordinates must be written beside the points you selected to calculate the line gradient. Choose points that can be accurately read and not estimated.
Comments about unexpected results
If a point is obviously off the best-fit line, it can be ignored. Circle the anomalous point on the graph.