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GCSE Physics graph questions

Read scales, plot coordinates and interpret straight-line gradients and intercepts.

Practise

Plot a point

Plot P at time 2.5 s and position 6 cm. Tap the grid or enter both coordinates.

Plot the missing point PThe grid shows two existing points; P has not been plotted. Horizontal axis: Time / s, 0 to 8. Vertical axis: Position / cm, 0 to 10. Exact values are also listed below the graph.024680246810Time / sPosition / cmAB
Tap the grid to place P, or use the coordinate boxes below. Each small division is 0.5.
Larger graph
Plot the missing point PThe grid shows two existing points; P has not been plotted. Horizontal axis: Time / s, 0 to 8. Vertical axis: Position / cm, 0 to 10. Exact values are also listed below the graph.024680246810Time / sPosition / cmAB
Data to plot
Coordinates
PointTime / sPosition / cm
A12
B79
P2.56

Hint

Read time on the horizontal axis and position on the vertical axis. Move across first, then up.

Worked solution
  1. P is at (2.5 s, 6 cm).
Plot the missing point PThe grid shows two existing points; P has not been plotted. Horizontal axis: Time / s, 0 to 8. Vertical axis: Position / cm, 0 to 10. Exact values are also listed below the graph.024680246810Time / sPosition / cmAB
Another question
Question type: Mixed practice
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Foundation and Higher: this set covers content common to both tiers. Some calculations need several steps.

Reading a graph

Read the axis quantities and units before calculating. Use two well-separated points on the supplied line for a gradient. The gradient’s meaning comes from the axes: displacement divided by time gives velocity; potential difference divided by current gives resistance. These tasks use straight lines and coordinate entry; tangents and areas under curves are outside this set.

Work through the practical method and sample results

GCSE scope

AQA 8463: MS 4a–d; 4.5.6.1.4; 4.2.1.4; OCR Gateway J249: 5g M4a–d; P2.1; P3.2; P9. Tasks cover the selected skills listed above.

AQA specification · OCR Gateway specification

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