Physics Theory vs. Physical Reality

The theories of physics consist of neat, clean, mathematical formulas, derived from laboratory conditions. Although these formulas apply to all real life, the data collected from the real world demonstrates much more complexity, resulting in messy graphs.

Consider the following two neat, simple graphs, taken from simple laboratory experiments:

Discussion Questions for Each Graph

1. Describe the graph in words. 
2. What phenomena is demonstrated? 
3. What physics theory or theories apply? 
4. Is the graph consistent with theory?

Now, consider the two graphs below. These graphs show real-life conditions which are mathematically messy.

Discussion Questions for Each Graph

1. Describe the graph in words. 
2. What phenomena is demonstrated? 
3. Why is the graph messy? 
4. How can the graph be analyzed with theories from physics and/or math?

In elementary and high school classes, emphasis is often on the clean, neat graphs which perfectly illustrate theory. Including messy graphs from real-life conditions can provide a segue into the advanced physics and mathematics topics which are required for working in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields as a career scientist.

Over 8,000 graphs from Schottenbauer Publishing provide real-life topics for student learning, including sports, transportation, construction, environment, music, entertainment/toys, and general physics. 


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