CIESE - International Boiling Point Project

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Graph Example

This exercise lends itself well to graphing. Graphing allows scientists to see relationships between numbers. In order to graph something, all you need is:

data to graph
a spreadsheet program or graph paper

In this experiment, you can graph any of the numbers against any of the other numbers. You can graph boiling point temperature vs. volume of water, boiling point temperature vs. room temperature or boiling point temperature vs. elevation. The independent variable in the experiment usually goes on the x-axis and the dependent variable goes on the y-axis. In this experiment since boiling point depends on the other variables, it is the dependent variable and should go on the y-axis.

Below is a sample graph of boiling point temperature vs. elevation done with a spreadsheet program. In order to graph the data, you first need to enter the data into a spreadsheet. Enter one set of numbers in column A (independent variable) and the matching set of numbers in column B (dependent variable). So, in this instance, elevation is in column A and Boiling Point is in Column B. (Note: you would get the actual numbers from the database on the boiling point home page.) Here's an example of spreadsheet data.

Once you've entered the data, you need to highlight the data and have your spreadsheet program make a graph for you. This command will vary from program to program so make sure to review the instructions in your program. The spreadsheet program will then create a graph for you with the elevation on one side and the boiling point on the other...like this:

Make sure to pick appropriate scales for both the x and y axes. Boiling point will be on the y-axis for each of the graphs, and you may find it easier to view the data if the scale on the y-axis does NOT start at 0. In other words, start the values on the y-axis at about 80 degrees Celsius (or any value you consider appropriate). This way, the data will be spread out and not clumped together which can make it difficult to read.