Analysing Graphs (DP IB Chemistry: SL)

• The gradient of a graph can be found by:
  • In the case of a straight line graph: using a triangle and the equation for a straight line
  • In the case of a curve: drawing a tangent to the graph

• The triangle should be as large as possible to minimise precision errors
• The equation for a straight line is y = mx + c, where:
  • y = dependent variable
  • x = independent variable
  • m = slope
  • c = y-intercept

• The gradient or slope is therefore : m = ∆y/∆x
• This example from Kinetics illustrates the calculation of rates from a curve

The gradient can be found at different points on a curve. Here it has been multiplied by 60 to convert it from minutes^-1 to seconds^-1

• In the case of curves you will need a ruler to line up against the curve at the point you want to measure the gradient:

Lining up a ruler against the curve is essential to drawing a tangent accurately

• Sketched graphs are a way to represent qualitative trends where the variables shown are often proportional or inversely proportional
• Sketched graphs do not have scales or data points, but they must have labels as these examples from the Gas Laws show:

Sketched graphs show relationships between variables

• In the first sketch graph above you can see that the relationship is a straight line going through the origin
• This means as you double one variable the other variable also doubles so we say the independent variable is directly proportional to the dependent variable
• The second sketched graph shows a shallow curve which is the characteristic shape when two variables have an inversely proportional relationship
• The third sketched graph shows a straight horizontal line, meaning as the independent variable (x-axis) increases the dependent variable does not change or is constant

Answer:

The correct option is D

• • The Ideal Gas Equation is PV= nRT.
  • If P, V and R are constant then PV/R = nT = a constant
  • n must be inversely proportional to T, which gives graph D