Skip to content
    Physics A-Level

    Graphical analysis

    What Graphical analysis means in Physics A-Level, as defined for AQA, OCR.

    Definitions of Graphical analysis

    Exam boards and our study guides word this term in slightly different ways. Learn the version your board uses.

    Check what you remember

    Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Graphical analysis in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.

    Reference: AQA

    Plotting fₙ against 1/L, against √T and against 1/√μ to obtain straight-line relationships through the origin if the theory holds.
    AQA · Principle of superposition of waves and formation of stationary waves (study guide)
    Plotting T² against mass m gives a gradient of 4π²/k, and plotting T² against length l gives a gradient of 4π²/g.
    AQA · Simple harmonic systems (A-level only) (study guide)
    Repeating for several currents and plotting F against I, where the gradient is LB, so B = gradient / L.
    OCR · Magnetic fields (study guide)

    Topics that use Graphical analysis

    Related terms

    Using Graphical analysis in the exam

    Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.

    Practise Physics questions

    Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.

    Start free

    A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge

    All Physics A-Level terms