- #1
Darren Byrne
- 2
- 0
Homework Statement
Hi, I have a question about uncertainties. If I am carrying out an investigation I need to record my uncertainties in each measurement. I am aware that instruments have reading errors. So, if I use a stopwatch to measure the time period of a pendulum the reading error is ±0.01s, the smallest reading. But if I am measuring the time period of a pendulum I would do several trials and to find the uncertainty then I will take my max reading and my min reading and divide by two. So, my question is: when do I use the reading error? Do I add it on to the error calculated using max - min or is it already included. We always do more than one trial measurement, if I use max-min/2 then when do I use the reading error?[/B]
Homework Equations
max reading - min reading / 2
The Attempt at a Solution
I think my thinking through the problem written above is an attempt at a solution. Also, it's more a general question on uncertainties than a specific problem.
Cheers
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