Accuracy of Gravity: -9.8m/s/s +- _______m/s/s

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the accuracy of the gravitational constant, specifically -9.8 m/s², and how to account for its uncertainty in calculations involving force, such as in the equation f=mg. Participants are exploring the implications of measurement accuracy in a lab context.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are questioning how to determine the accuracy error associated with the gravitational constant and whether it should be treated as a fixed value or if it varies based on other factors like geology and altitude. There is also discussion on how to incorporate the accuracy of mass measurements into the overall accuracy of force calculations.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants offering different perspectives on how to approach the accuracy of gravity in calculations. Some suggest using the accuracy of measured values, while others highlight the variability of gravity itself. There is no explicit consensus yet, but various interpretations are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working within the constraints of a lab experiment, which may limit the variables considered in their calculations. The accuracy of mass measurements is also noted as a factor in determining total accuracy in the context of the force equation.

StephenDoty
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I am working on a lab and I need to know the accuacy of gravity=-9.8m/s/s? So I need the +- blank after the -9.8m/s/s. -9.8m/s/s +- _________m/s/s

Thank you

Stephen Doty
 
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Is there an accuracy error for gravity? Or do you just use the other number's accuracy error as the error of accuracy when doing f=mg. So the m has an accuracy is +-.02g so when doing f=mg what do I do for the accuracy error of gravity in the equation: total accuracy error= accuracy error of m/m + accuracy error of gravity/g.
 
Just use the accuracy level of things you actually measure. g is not constant, it depends on geology and altitude among other things. But those aren't likely to be variables in your lab experiment.
 
So for the accuracy equation for the f=mg : total accuracy= (.00002kg)/0.2704kg + 0/(9.8m/s/s)

From the equation: total accuracy = accuracy of m/m + accuracy of gravity/g

And for f=mg do I use (-9.8m/s/s) or (9.8m/s/s)
 

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