- #1
koots
- 3
- 0
- Homework Statement
- Help calculating uncertainty when the equation includes sin functions
- Relevant Equations
- omega = A + Bsin^2(phi) + Csin^4(phi)
Hi everyone,
The equation is one we have been given to calculate the rotational speed of the sun for different latitudes. phi = average latitude. This shouldn't be a problem for me, but for some reason I just can't trust my error calcs.
We are given :
A = 14.713 ± 0.0491◦/d B = −2.396 ± 0.188◦/d C = −1.787 ± 0.253◦/d
and the latitudes I'm using have been taken from sunspot photos with a stonyhurst grid overlaid. They are:
31, 15, 5.5, 1.5, all with an uncertainty +/- 2.
I've so far used trigonometric identites, calculus, even calculating min and max values and halving the difference etc. My problem is that I end up with errors larger, and for the lower latitudes far larger than the result from the equation. Every method gives a slightly different result and I just can't carry on comfortably.
Could anyone suggest which method they would use for the above equation?
Cheers
The equation is one we have been given to calculate the rotational speed of the sun for different latitudes. phi = average latitude. This shouldn't be a problem for me, but for some reason I just can't trust my error calcs.
We are given :
A = 14.713 ± 0.0491◦/d B = −2.396 ± 0.188◦/d C = −1.787 ± 0.253◦/d
and the latitudes I'm using have been taken from sunspot photos with a stonyhurst grid overlaid. They are:
31, 15, 5.5, 1.5, all with an uncertainty +/- 2.
I've so far used trigonometric identites, calculus, even calculating min and max values and halving the difference etc. My problem is that I end up with errors larger, and for the lower latitudes far larger than the result from the equation. Every method gives a slightly different result and I just can't carry on comfortably.
Could anyone suggest which method they would use for the above equation?
Cheers