1.

5
Analysing
Scientific
Investigations

MAKING INFERENCE
Observe situations and identify a question suitable to
carry out an investigation.

lighter

Inference
heavier
: Spring extents more by the heavier baby.
or Extension of the spring depends on the
weight of the baby.

Variables
Manipulated variable :

Force / load on the spring

Responding variable :

Extension of the spring

fixed variable :

Force constant of the spring / diameter

of the spring

Hypothesis
The statement of relationship between the
manipulated variable and the responding variable.

Hypothesis :

bigger the force

The heavier the weight of load , the

longer the extension of the spring.
force on the spring

0r

As the weight of load increases, the

extension of the spring increases.

Observation and Data

Tabulation of data :
Weight of load, W
/N

Extension of spring,x
/cm

1.0
2.0

0.6

2.5

1.7
2.0
2

3.0
4.0
6.0

1.3

2.4
3.5

Analyse data and making conclusion

Interpret data by graphs
X / cm

4
3
2

The hypothesis is
true.

1
0

A straight line
graph passing
through origin,
therefore
extension of
spring , x, is
proportional to the
weight of load, W.

W /N

Garis Lurus Penyuaian Terbaik

Suatu garis lurus penyuaian terbaik
mempunyai ciri berikut:
1. Melalui seberapa banyak titik
yang mungkin.
2. Bilangan titik di kedua-dua belah
garis lurus itu adalah hampir
sama banyak.

Contoh
m (kg)

V (l)
m (kg)

0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0

0.35 0.84 1.23 1.60 2.00 2.37

3
2.5
2

Best fit
line

1.5
1
0.5

V(l)
0

Important points to note

Tabulate data
1.First column for manipulated variable.
Second column for the responding variable.
Additional columns can be drawn if
computation of variables are required.
2. State the correct units respectively .
3. All values in the same column must be
consistent in decimal places.

Important points to note

Drawing graph
1. Manipulated variable at x-axis. Responding
variable at Y-axis.
2. Label the axes and the corresponding
units for the variables.
3. Uniform scale. Do not use odd scale.
4. Minimum size of the graph is 10 cm tall
x 8 cm across.

5. Draw a smooth best fitted graph.

6. State the correct relationship as follow:
a

y is proportional to x
y

y increases linearly
with x
1/y

y decreases
linearly with x

1/x

y is inversely
proportional to x

Practical Exercise

pg 7(Prc)

A student pours water into a cylinder and

measures the height of the water at different
volumes. Figure 1.3 shows the height of the
water in the cylinder at different volumes.
250

250

250

250

200

200

200

200

200

150

150

150

150

150

100

100

100

250

4.5
cm

50

9.1
cm

50

13.4
cm

50

18.0
cm

100
50

22.6
cm

100
50

(a)

Based on the experiment, state

(i) The manipulated variable,
(ii) The responding variable,
(iii) The fixed variable.

(b)

Based on the readings of the height of

water, H cm at different volumes, V ml,
record the readings in table form.

(c)

Plot a graph of H against V, based on

the tabulated data.

(d)

(e)

From the graph , explain the

relationship between H and V.

State the precautionary measures which

should be taken during the experiment.