Calc Error in Centripetal Force | Physics Lab

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the error in the calculated centripetal force based on measurements of mass, radius, and frequency. The context is centered on applying error propagation rules in a physics lab setting.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the application of error propagation rules, specifically Rule #2 for combining errors in multiplicative relationships. Questions arise regarding the correctness of the derived equations for error calculation.

Discussion Status

Some participants confirm the correctness of the error propagation equation, while others provide insights on calculating the mean value and its implications for determining maximum possible error. There is an ongoing exploration of assumptions related to the mean value derived from repeated measurements.

Contextual Notes

Participants discuss the implications of using mean values from repeated experiments and the assumptions made about the real value of frequency based on these means. The discussion includes considerations of how to calculate maximum possible errors based on these assumptions.

sunshine88
Messages
2
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



Determine the error in the calculated centripetal force, F (dynamic), for each value of r from the estimated error in the quantities m, r, and from the standard deviation from the mean of your three measurements of f. Derive the equation for the error using Rule # 2 for the combination of errors.

Rule #2 = When you multiply or divide two or more measurements, you add the absolute value of the fractional or percentage errors to find the fractional or percentage error in the result.

Homework Equations



FD = 4pi(squared) m f(squared)r


The Attempt at a Solution



Δ FD = Δm/ m + Δ f/ f + Δr/ r

Am I on the right track?
 
Physics news on Phys.org


if a quantity y depends as

y=[(k^a)* (x^b)*(z^c)]/(t^d) where k is a fixed constant like ∏ or e or let's say 4/

Δy/y = b*(Δx/x) + c*(Δz/z) + d*(Δt/t) (Why?)


(its simply taking sum of all Δ(measured variable)/variable and mu;tiplying it by the power it was raised to in the formula)
here Δy means maximum possible error in y.

Now calculate your answer again
 


So would it be

ΔFd = Δm/m + 2 Δf/f + Δr/r ?

Thank you for replying!
 


Yes now the equation is correct.

Also part of the problem suggests you calculate Δf using the mean values.

What we actually assume in these cases is that the mean value you calculate after repeating the experiment n times is equal to the real vale of f.

Suppose you repeat the experiment 3 times and get value of f as 3.10,3.20, 3.20.
The mean of all this will be (3.10+3.20+3.36)/3=3.22

Now we assume the the real value of f is 3.22

so Δf in case one is |3.10-3.22|(where || is for absolute value) and similarly for other cases.
We take || to calculate maximum possible error.


I hope you understood
 

Similar threads

Replies
4
Views
3K
Replies
31
Views
2K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
8K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
2K