O-Level Physics Graphing & Linearisation Clinic

TL;DR
Paper 3 expects clean tables, full-page graphs, and linearised relationships that feed ACE analysis (Section 4, SEAB 2026 syllabus).
Make every plot a straight line by choosing the right axes (reciprocals, logs, gradients/intercepts tied to physical constants).
Always include raw points, best-fit line, large gradient triangle, and uncertainty commentary.

Keep Your Physics Practical Stack On Track

Use our O-Level Physics Experiments hub to find companion drills for every Paper 3 skill before you attempt these walkthroughs.

1 | Graphing checklist before you touch the ruler

• Use at least half of the grid in both x and y directions.\
• Mark raw points with small crosses; no thick dots.\
• Label axes with quantity + unit (e.g. 1/u / cm⁻¹).\
• Choose a sensible scale (multiples of 1, 2, 5 × powers of ten).\
• Draw a thin best-fit line; no connecting-the-dots.\
• Sketch a large triangle covering ≥2/3 of the line for gradient.

2 | Common Paper 3 relationships and how to linearise them