Is our experimental value for gravity acceptable?

  • Thread starter Arshad_Physic
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In summary, a group of friends conducted a Physics experiment and have written their report which is due in 5 days. They have received an error of 2.02% and are wondering if it is acceptable. The experiment was on gravity and the theoretical value is 9.8m/s^2, while their experiment resulted in a value of 10 m/s^2. According to other responders, 2% errors are generally considered acceptable, but should not be considered negligible as they can still affect the conclusions drawn from the data. The question of whether the error is acceptable or not is subjective and it is recommended to rephrase the answer to acknowledge the existence of the error.
  • #1
Arshad_Physic
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Homework Statement



There was a Physics experiment that I and my friends conducted. The report is due in 5 days. We have written out our report, but there is one question:

Is the eror acceptable?

Homework Equations



The error we got is 2.02 %

The Attempt at a Solution



We wrote our answer "The percent error of this is 2.02%, which is acceptable, because the 2% error is negligible."

Is the 2% error negligible?

Thanks,
Arshad
 
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  • #2
It really depends on the experiment, can you supply more details?
 
  • #3
For most intents and purposes, 2% errors are acceptable. They are not, however, by any means negligible. They're there to let you know that you could be wrong by so and so, and that if someone replicates your experiment and gets a result within that margin of error, then even though it isn't the exact same result you got, it still confirms your observations.
 
  • #4
IMO, the question is a bad question. The error is what it is, there is no choice about accepting it or rejecting it, it just exists. It simply places limitations on what you can conclude from your data. Regardless of how small the error is it is never negligible in general, you always need to keep it in mind when drawing conclusions. But as long as the error is small enough to make the conclusion you are claiming with statistical confidence then your conclusion is safe.
 
  • #5
@Pengwuino,

We are doing gravity. The theoritical value is 9.8m/s^2, but in our experiment we received the value of 10 m/s^2.

@RoyalCat and DaleSpam,

THANKS! :) Ya'lls answers does makes sense a lot! :) I will change the wording of my answer! :)
 

1. What is considered an acceptable error percentage in scientific experiments?

The acceptable error percentage in scientific experiments varies depending on the field and specific experiment being conducted. In general, a lower error percentage is preferred, but it ultimately depends on the accuracy and precision required for the experiment. Some experiments may have an acceptable error percentage of 5% while others may require a much lower percentage.

2. How is error percentage calculated?

Error percentage is calculated by taking the absolute value of the difference between the measured value and the true value, dividing it by the true value, and then multiplying by 100%. This gives the percentage of error between the measured and true values.

3. What factors can contribute to a higher error percentage?

There are several factors that can contribute to a higher error percentage in scientific experiments. Some of these include human error, equipment limitations, environmental conditions, and the complexity of the experiment.

4. Is 2.02% error acceptable in all scientific experiments?

No, 2.02% error may be acceptable in some experiments, but it may not be acceptable in others. It is important to consider the specific experiment and its requirements when determining if 2.02% error is acceptable.

5. How can errors be minimized in scientific experiments?

To minimize errors in scientific experiments, it is important to follow proper experimental procedures, use precise and accurate equipment, and conduct multiple trials to ensure consistency and reduce human error. It is also important to analyze and interpret data carefully to identify and account for any potential sources of error.

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