On a graph of two physical quantities, which variable is usually plotted along the horizontal axis?
AThe dependent variable being measured
BThe variable with the larger numerical range
CThe independent variable of the pair
DThe variable expressed in SI base units
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: C. The independent variable of the pair
1. Graphs here have perpendicular axes, one horizontal and one vertical.
2. The horizontal axis usually carries the independent variable.
3. The vertical axis usually carries the dependent variable, the one being measured.
4. In motion graphs time is the independent variable, so it goes along the horizontal axis.
_Source: OpenStax College Physics (CC BY 4.0), Ch 2 "Kinematics", section 2.8 Graphical Analysis of One-Dimensional Motion_
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