X against Y or Y against X?

when plotting a graph of voltage against current with current along the X axis and Voltage on the Y which way round do you phrase it; - voltage against current or current against voltage, i know it matters just cant remeber which way it is supposed to go?

Reply 1

LS.

8

Current goes on the X axis (horizontal)

Voltage goes on the Y axis (vertical)

as: gradient of graph = voltage/current = resistance

:smile:

Reply 2

elpaw

15

do you mean what's the terminology? it's always Y against X, because Y is the dependent variable.

Reply 3

ruthie

OP

i know that Y is vertical and is voltage as i know current is X and horizontal i meant how is it phrased, as in do i write i will plot the graph of :
a) voltage against current (thus y against x)
or
b) current against voltage (thus x against y)
im varying the current hence its on the y axis i just cant remember how to put it in words it is supposed to go in a specific order determined by which is on each axis.

Reply 4

Nylex

10

ruthie

i know that Y is vertical and is voltage as i know current is X and horizontal i meant how is it phrased, as in do i write i will plot the graph of :
a) voltage against current (thus y against x)
or
b) current against voltage (thus x against y)
im varying the current hence its on the y axis i just cant remember how to put it in words it is supposed to go in a specific order determined by which is on each axis.

You've contradicted yourself, cos first you said you were plotting the voltage on the y-axis, then you said you're plotting current on the y-axis. Whichever it is, it's y against x, as elpaw said.

X against Y or Y against X?

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