What is is time always on the x axis?

It's a common convention, but time is not always on the x-axis. While it is frequently used as the independent variable and therefore plotted on the horizontal axis, this is a matter of convention and clarity rather than a strict rule.

Here's why and some alternatives:

• Convention: In many fields, especially in the sciences and engineering, the independent variable is conventionally placed on the x-axis. Since time is often the independent variable (i.e., the thing that is changing or being manipulated), it ends up on the x-axis by default. See: https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Independent%20Variable
• Dependent Variable: The dependent variable (the thing being measured or observed) is then placed on the y-axis. See: https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Dependent%20Variable

However, there are situations where time might be on the y-axis:

• Swapped Axes for Visual Emphasis: Sometimes, the axes are swapped to better visualize or emphasize a particular aspect of the data. This could be for aesthetic reasons or to highlight a trend.
• Specific Chart Types: Certain specialized chart types might have time on the y-axis. For instance, some gantt charts display time vertically.
• Non-Causal Relationships: When the relationship between variables isn't causal (i.e., one doesn't directly cause the other), the placement of time on either axis becomes less important.
• Data Visualization Software: Some data visualization tools might default to different axis arrangements based on the data type or the chosen chart type.

In essence, while time frequently appears on the x-axis, it's not a fundamental rule. The choice depends on the context, the purpose of the visualization, and the desired emphasis. The core purpose of a graph is https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Data%20Visualization so do it for better representation.