Scientific Communication (Edexcel A Level Physics)

• Scientific communication of the results of an experiment are extremely important
• The ideas must be communicated in an appropriate way using appropriate terminology
  • This involves using terms such as accuracy, validity and stating the sources of random and systematic errors
• Scientists have to design an experiment to answer a question or investigate something
• These will involve dependent and independent variables
  • An independent variable is what is changed
  • A dependent variable is what is measured
  • The control variables are what do not change

• For example, in an investigation of the variation of potential difference and current across a light bulb
  • The independent variable is the potential difference
  • The dependent variable is the current
  • The control variable would be the temperature of the apparatus

• Data must always be presented in a scientific way
• This may include:
  
  • Tables
  • Graphs
  • Diagrams

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Presenting Data in Tables

• When taking readings, a sensible range should be taken, and the values should all be stated to an appropriate number of significant figures or decimal places
  • This is usually the same number as the resolution of the measuring instrument

• The columns in any table should have both a quantity and a unit in their heading
  • When labelling columns, the names of the quantities should be separated from their unit by a forward slash ( / )

• For data displayed in a table:
  • The first column should contain the independent variable
  • The second column should contain the dependent variable
  • If repeat readings of the dependent variable are required, these should be included with a column for the mean value at the end
  • Any columns required for processing data e.g. calculations should come after this

  

  Conventions for presenting data in a table. The length is the independent variable and the frequency is the dependent variable

• In summary, when presenting tables the following must be included:
  • Clear headings, or symbols, for columns
  • Relevant units for measurements
  • Readings listed to the same number of significant figures

An example of a correctly labelled table with corresponding graph

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Presenting Data on a Graph

• All readings, including suspected anomalous results, should be plotted on a graph so that they can be easily identified
• When taking repeat readings, it is the mean value that is plotted
• The way data is presented on a graph depends on what type of data it is

Discrete data

• Only certain values can be taken, normally a whole number e.g. number of students
  • This should be displayed on a scatter graph or bar chart

Continuous data

• Can take any value on a scale e.g. voltage in a circuit
  • This should be displayed on a line or scatter graph

Categorical data

• Values that can be sorted into categories e.g. types of material
  • This should be displayed on a pie or bar chart

Ordered data

• Data that can be put in ordered categories e.g. low, medium, high
  • This should be displayed on a bar chart

• In summary, when presenting graphs the following must be included:
  • An explanatory title
  • Clearly labeled axes
  • Relevant units for measurements
  • Well plotted points
  • A smooth line or curve of best fit

An example of a correctly labelled and plotted graph

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Presenting Diagrams

• When presenting diagrams, such as apparatus set-up, all the relevant parts must be clearly labelled

An appropriately labeled diagram of the set-up of an investigation into simple harmonic motion