大象传媒

Scientific data

Presenting data

Tables

When collecting data, the best way to display it is to construct a table. This helps to organise your data collection:

  • the variables go in the column headings - eg 'time' and 'distance'
  • the units must also be placed in the column headings and should not appear elsewhere in the table
Time (s)Distance (m)
300.2
600.4
Time (s)30
Distance (m)0.2
Time (s)60
Distance (m)0.4

Charts

Charts are a way to display data after it has been collected.

can only have certain values and are shown using a . This can help to show any patterns.

Bar chart of the melting points of Group 1 elements.
Figure caption,
Each metal has a different melting point - these can be compared more easily by showing them on a bar chart

A shows a category compared with the whole. For example, the percentage of each gas in the atmosphere can be shown using a pie chart.

Air is composed of 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen and 1% other gases, including 0.9% argon and 0.04% carbon dioxide.
Figure caption,
A pie chart to show the percentage of different gases in the atmosphere

Graphs

can take any value in a given range. It includes time, mass and length. Continuous data should be presented on a . Line graphs are particularly useful in helping to spot any trends or patterns in the data.

Graph showing the reaction rate rising sharply with the temperature.
Figure caption,
A line graph to show how the mass of product changes over time during a reaction