Is Percentage of Uncertainty Equivalent to Uncertainty?

  • Thread starter CollectiveRocker
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In summary, the conversation discusses the relationship between percentage of uncertainty and uncertainty. The participants conclude that in general, the two are not equal and more context is needed to provide a helpful answer. They also mention the Heisenberg principle and explain how the percentage of uncertainty is calculated. They also question the rule and its implications for the equality of delta p and p.
  • #1
CollectiveRocker
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Does percentage of uncertainty = uncertainty?
 
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  • #2
In general I would say no. But we really need some context to be able to give you a helpfull answer.
 
  • #3
The uncertainty of a particle's position is .100 nm. So, I'm looking for the percentage of uncertainty in its momentum.
 
  • #4
CollectiveRocker said:
The uncertainty of a particle's position is .100 nm. So, I'm looking for the percentage of uncertainty in its momentum.

U can find the uncertainty in momentum applying Heisenberg principle,but u need to specify the momentum itself,as the procentage is usually defined as the product of the uncertainty and 100 devided by the measured momentum.
 
  • #5
Where does that rule come from?
 
  • #6
Because by that definition,aren't delta p and p equal?
 

What is "Percentage of Uncertainty"?

"Percentage of Uncertainty" is a measure of the amount of variation or error present in a scientific measurement or calculation. It is expressed as a percentage of the measured value and is used to indicate the level of confidence in the accuracy of the measurement or calculation.

How is "Percentage of Uncertainty" calculated?

The "Percentage of Uncertainty" is calculated by taking the absolute value of the difference between the measured value and the accepted or true value, dividing that by the accepted or true value, and then multiplying by 100 to get a percentage. This can also be represented as (|measured value - accepted value| / accepted value) x 100.

Why is "Percentage of Uncertainty" important in scientific measurements?

"Percentage of Uncertainty" is important because it allows scientists to understand the potential for error in their measurements and calculations. This helps to determine the reliability and accuracy of the data being collected and analyzed.

What factors can contribute to a high "Percentage of Uncertainty"?

Several factors can contribute to a high "Percentage of Uncertainty", including limitations of measurement equipment, human error, and external factors such as environmental conditions. It is important for scientists to identify and minimize these sources of uncertainty to increase the accuracy of their results.

How can scientists reduce the "Percentage of Uncertainty" in their measurements?

Scientists can reduce the "Percentage of Uncertainty" in their measurements by using more precise equipment, taking multiple measurements and calculating an average, and minimizing sources of error such as controlling environmental conditions and carefully following measurement procedures.

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