Error Propagation for F=4*pi^2*r*m/T^2

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around error propagation in the context of the formula F=4*pi^2*r*m/T^2, focusing on how uncertainties in the variables r (radius), m (mass), and T (period) affect the final result F.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the need to account for uncertainties in the variables and how to apply error propagation methods specific to multiplication and division. Questions arise regarding the treatment of variables with no associated uncertainty and the correct application of partial derivatives in the context of the formula.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided clarifications on how to handle variables without uncertainties and the process of substituting known values into partial derivatives. There is an ongoing exchange of ideas, with participants seeking further clarification on specific aspects of the error propagation process.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of a document that contains additional explanations, which is pending approval for access. Participants express varying levels of familiarity with the concepts, indicating a range of understanding within the discussion.

badtwistoffate
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I know there is a formulas for doing error propagation with separate formulas for when dealing with powers, multiplying/dividing, and adding/subtraction.
What about if I have the formula F=4*pi^2*r*m / T^2...?
Also should i do error propagation for the varibles in the formula r (radius), and T(Period).
 
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If the variables in your formula r,m and T each have an associated uncertainty then you take into account their affect on the final result F.
I'm pretty useless with the Latex and it is just easier and faster to do it in word so I've explained what I've done in the attached document instead.
I'm sorry if I've explained stuff you already know, but like I said, I don't really have an idea of what you know already so I thought I'd cover all bases.
 

Attachments

why can't i download it?
 
Yeah sorry forgot about the pending approval thing so you can't see it until a mod approves it, but yeah I can just send it to you if you want.
 
Last edited:
done.

If you don't really follow it then just come back here to discuss it and I will try and clarify it...or someone else will.
 
Um with eqn 2, in the square root, After the (uncertainty in f / uncertainty in m) squared, is that then times the standard deviation of m squared? Also in ours m, has no uncertainty so we just leave that term out of eqn 1?
 
Yeah if it has no error associated with its value then it doesn't contribute to the error in the final value.
The [tex]\sigma_m[/tex] is just the uncertainty associated with the value m.
However, since you are given the value of m and it doesn't have an uncertainty then you will just leave it out of the expression. Remember that you only include the expressions that have an associated uncertainty.
 
Also, could you try explaining this part again? So for the partial derivative (uncertainty in F/uncertainty in r ) we treat the variables m and T as constants while differentiating F with respect to r. so the partial derivative is just the equation without r? And we sub this into the partial derivative spot? Do we sub those numbers in too?
 
  • #10
To answer your question about the partial derivative, yes it will just become the equation without r in it. Once you have the partial derivative expression you substitute in your known values for T and m into the expression. Then square the expression and multiply by the square of the uncertainty in r. By the way the partial derivative symbol that I used isn't uncertainty in F/uncertainty in r. It is essentially dF/dr...the symbol just tells you that it is the partial derivative.
 

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