How to plot a graph that earns full marks, draw a line of best fit, calculate a gradient with its unit, interpret what it means, and express answers to a suitable number of significant figures.
5 narrated scenes. Press play, listen and read along — the points appear as they are explained. Use ‹ Prev / Next › or the scene bar to jump to any scene.
Graph plotting and gradient questions are among the most reliable marks in Paper 2 — and among the most often lost through missing units.
Narration uses your device’s built-in voice. No sound? Switch to “Captions only” — the captions advance on their own.
Copy these into your notebook in your own words — that is how they stick.
Quantity and unit on each; independent variable on the x-axis.
Simple even steps; points fill more than half of the grid.
Smooth line or straight ruled line; roughly equal points either side.
Δy ÷ Δx with a large triangle (more than half the line).
unit of y ÷ unit of x.
d–t: speed. v–t: acceleration (area = distance). weight–mass: g. force–extension: spring constant.
Straight line through the origin.
Same s.f. as the least precise data; round at the end.
3 quick games on this lesson. Earn XP and badges as you play — your best score for each game is saved. Games are for practice and do not change your exam readiness. More games in the Physics Arcade.
8 items modelled on real CSEC Paper 1 questions. Choose one answer for each, then check. Aim for 80% or better. Work each item on paper first.
Write full answers, then reveal the mark scheme and tick the points you earned (12 marks in total). Show all your working — method marks count. Your answers are saved on this device.
Question 1 [12 marks]
A trolley moves along a straight track. Its distance d from a starting mark is measured at different times t. The graph of d against t is a straight line through (0, 0) and (5.0 s, 10.0 m). A calculator may be used.
(a) (a) State which variable should be plotted on the x-axis, and why. [2]
(b) (b) State two features of a good scale for the axes. [2]
(c) (c) Calculate the gradient of the line. [3]
(d) (d) State the physical quantity represented by the gradient. [1]
(e) (e) What does the line passing through the origin tell you about d and t? [1]
(f) (f) The data: d = 4.0 m when t = 2.0 s. Calculate 4.0 ÷ 2.0 and write the answer to a suitable number of significant figures, explaining your choice. [3]
Find these in your own past-paper booklets for extra timed practice. Items above are written in the style of these papers; any adapted from a specific question say so.