To record data in tabular form, the following steps are followed.

(i) The measurements corresponding to one physical quantity from one instrument are recorded in
one table. Separate tables are made to record the measurements of different quantities.
(ii) On the top of the table, the name of the instrument used for measurement should be mentioned
and then followed by its least count and zero error (if any).
(iii) Each observation should be recorded up to the limit of accuracy of the measuring instrument
without adding extra zeroes on the right side of the decimal in any observation. However, if there is
no digit before the decimal, a zero is put before the decimal to make the decimal prominent.
(iv) After recording each individual observation, the mean value is calculated at the bottom of the
column, if the same quantity is being measured repeatedly.

Two types of tabular form are

(i) Headed columns and numbered rows

(ii) Headed rows and numbered columns

Example: For the measurement of volume of an irregular body by the displacement of water, we
record three observations:
(a) Initial level of water V1 (in ml)
(b) Final level of water V2 (in ml) on dipping the solid
(c) Volume of solid V = V1 - V2 (in ml or cm3)

The format of table in 'Headed columns and numbered rows' form would be

Initial level of water V1 (in Final level of water Volume of solid V =

No. of observations ml) V2 (in ml) V1 - V2 (in ml or cm3)
1
2
3
4

In this format, the number of rows in the table gives the number of times a particular measurement is
made.

The format of table in 'Headed rows and numbered columns' would be

No. of observations 1 2 3 4
Initial level of
water V1 (in ml)
Final level of water
V2 (in ml)
Volume of solid V
= V1 - V2 (in ml or
cm3)

In this format, the number of columns in the table gives the number of times a particular
measurement is made.
The presentation of data in a tabular form helps in quick grasping and analyzing the observations.
For example, in the experiment to study the variation in time period with the length of the simple
pendulum, one column shows the length, and the other column shows the corresponding time period
of simple pendulum. A look at the table shows that the time period of a simple pendulum increases
with increase in its length, i.e. the trend of variation of time period with length is immediately known.

Tabular format for the experiment of simple pendulum, for measuring time period of pendulum for its
different lengths:

Least count of stop watch =………… s

Time for 20 Time period T = l/T2
Length (l) oscillations t t/20
No. of observations (in cm) (in s) (in s) (in cm s-2)

The observations would be recorded in 'Headed rows and numbered columns' as shown.

No. of observations 1 2 3 4
Initial level of
water V1 (in ml)
Final level of water
V2 (in ml)
Volume of solid V
= V1 - V2 (in ml or
cm3)

The advantage of presentation of data in graphical form is that it gives a visual presentation of
variation of one quantity with respect to the other quantity. It even helps to determine the value of
one quantity corresponding to the value of the other quantity even when the measurements are not
made for that range.
Steps in plotting a correct graph:

(i) Title of graph: The graph is given a title as 'A graph showing the variation of … with …'

(ii) Selection of origin and axes: Two mutually perpendicular lines called X-axis and Y-axis are
drawn. They divide the graph into four sections called quadrants. The point where the two axes meet
is called the origin (0,0). To the right of it, x values are positive, and to the left of it, x values are
negative. Similarly, above it, y values are positive, and below it, y values are negative.
(iii) Labelling of axes: The X-axis is labeled with the independent variable and the Y-axis is labeled
with the dependent variable. The two quantities should be labeled on the axes with their units.
(iv) Selection of scale: From the observation table, find the range of X and Y values, i.e. (xmax -
xmin) and (ymax - ymin). Then select a convenient scale such that the measured values can be plotted
easily, using the maximum part of the given graph. In all cases, more than half portion of the graph
paper must be used.
(v) Plotting the points and accuracy of plots: Mark each data on the graph by a dot with a sharp
pencil in its proper place within the accuracy of one small square according to scale. Then encircle
each dot. Do not make a blot or blots at the point because then the location of exact data point
becomes difficult.

(vi) Plotting the best fit straight line (or curve): Draw the best fit straight line (or smooth curve)
through the points plotted on the graph. It is not necessary that all points plotted should lie on the
straight line (or curve) drawn on the graph. The reason is that the straight line (or curve) obtained on
the graph represents an ideal relationship between the quantities plotted, while observations may
have a deviation due to errors arising because of the limit of accuracy of measurement or personal
error.

To find the slope of a straight line obtained on the graph:

To find the slope of straight line obtained on the graph, take two points P and Q on the line,
separated by a distance more than half the length of the line. These points should be chosen such
that the values of x and y for these points can be read on the axes exactly and conveniently.
Perpendiculars are drawn from these points on the axes.
Read the value of x, say x1 and the value of y, say y1corresponding to the point P and similarly the
value of x, say x2 and the value of y, say y2 for the point Q.
Then, find y = y2 - y1 and x = x2 - x1.
Then calculate the slope s = y/ x.
Round off the value so obtained to the number of digits equal to the minimum number of digits in the
measurement of the two quantities.

This graph represents a linear relationship between the two quantities, i.e.
Choosing co-ordinates from graph,
For x2 = 18.85 cm, y2 = 5.9 cm
For, x1 = 11.35 cm, y1 = 2.9cm

Slope = (x2 - x1) / (y2 - y1)

= (18.85 - 11.35) / (5.9 - 2.9)
= 2.5

From the graph, at V1 = 0.3 volt, I1 = 0.7 A

At V2 = 1.1 volt, I2 = 2.7 A
3B

Scalar quantities have only magnitude and no direction but vector quantities have magnitude as well
as direction.
For example, the speed is a scalar quantity but velocity is a vector quantity.
Similarly, distance is a scalar quantity but displacement is a vector quantity.

(a)Scalar (b)Vector
(c)Vector (d)Scalar
(e)Vector (f)Scalar