Calculate Physics Lab Uncertainty: Ekrot, Moment of Inertia, Angular Velocity

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating uncertainties in a physics lab context, specifically focusing on energy conservation involving gravitational potential energy, rotational kinetic energy, moment of inertia, and angular velocity. The original poster outlines the relationships between these quantities and presents a series of equations and measurements with associated uncertainties.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to derive expressions for rotational kinetic energy and moment of inertia while expressing confusion about how to handle uncertainties in their calculations. They question the validity of their steps and seek clarification on calculating absolute uncertainties.
  • Some participants suggest using absolute uncertainties instead of relative ones and provide an example of calculating minimum and maximum values to find averages.
  • Others point out the distinction between moment of inertia and inertia, indicating a need for conceptual clarification.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different methods for calculating uncertainties. Some guidance has been offered regarding the use of absolute uncertainties, but there is no explicit consensus on the best approach to take. The original poster expresses urgency in needing to finalize their lab measurements.

Contextual Notes

The original poster mentions constraints related to homework rules that prevent them from adding relative uncertainties, which adds to their confusion. There are also indications that some measurements were taken only once, complicating the calculation of uncertainties.

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Homework Statement



this isn't really a word problem, it's part of a series of calculations from a physics lab
in this lab,
Ug = energy at initial position
Ug -> Ekrot + Ek at final position

I need to calculate
1. Ekrot
2. Moment of Inertia
3. angular velocity

Homework Equations



Ug = mgh
Ekrot = ½Iѡ²
Ek = ½mv²

ѡ = v/r

v = 2h/t (in this case)

m = 0.100m ± 0.0005
g = 9.8m/s²
h = 0.800m ± 0.0005
v = 0.21m/s ±0.01
r = 0.004m ± 0.002
t = 7.66s ± 0.08

The Attempt at a Solution



mgh = Ekrot + ½mv²
Ekrot = mgh - ½mv²

Δmgh = |dy/dm mgh| + |dy/dh mgh|
= |dy/dm gh| + |dy/dh mg|
= |dy = ghΔm| + |dy = mgΔh|

relative error = Δmgh / mgh

= |ghΔm / mgh| + |mgΔh / mgh|
= |Δm/m| + |Δm/h|

similarly, the relative uncertainty of ½mv² is..

Δ½mv²/½mv² = |Δm/m| + |2Δv/v|so... now what?
We're not allowed to add relative uncertainties, i really don't know what to do here
We can add absolute uncertainty but I have no knowledge on how to calculate absolute uncertainty.

also, the angular velocity, ѡ, = v/r. There is an uncertainty on v and an uncertainty on r. so how do I calculate moment of inertia (I) after I have the uncertainty of Ekrot?? The uncertainties of ѡ and r weren't used when when calculating uncertainty of Ekrot (unless my steps above are way off.. which i doubt)

I'm very confused, any help would be appreciated
thank you
~Ush
 
Last edited:
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As far as I know, relative uncertainties can't be added. I normally calculate using absolute ones, in a way so that I calculate the min and max values, and use the average.

For example, say t = 10+-0.1 secs and s = 50+-1meters, simple linear motion.

v(min) = 49m / 10.1 secs = 4.85
v(max) = 51m / 9.9secs = 5.15

So then I would say that v = 5m/s +- 0.15m/s.
Then follow the same routine to calculate other things, perhaps I=mv, according to this.
 
Tusike said:
As far as I know, relative uncertainties can't be added. I normally calculate using absolute ones, in a way so that I calculate the min and max values, and use the average.

For example, say t = 10+-0.1 secs and s = 50+-1meters, simple linear motion.

v(min) = 49m / 10.1 secs = 4.85
v(max) = 51m / 9.9secs = 5.15

So then I would say that v = 5m/s +- 0.15m/s.
Then follow the same routine to calculate other things, perhaps I=mv, according to this.

1) You cannot calculate max / min in this because some of the measurements were taken only once and some were taken as an average.
2) moment of inertia ≠ inertia

someone please help =[ I need to send the lab measurements in soon
 
anyone, please? =[
 
NVM FOLKS, I found out how to do this! =]
goodday
 

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