Calculating Acceleration Error: Deriving an Equation for Error in a = 2h/t^{2}

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on deriving an equation for the error in acceleration using the formula a = 2h/t². The proposed error equation is δa = a(δh/h) + 2t²(δt/t). Participants confirm that this equation is correct, emphasizing the need to express height and time errors as percentages. The conversation highlights the importance of combining these errors under a square root to obtain the total error in acceleration.

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  • Understanding of basic physics concepts, specifically acceleration.
  • Familiarity with error propagation techniques in experimental physics.
  • Knowledge of mathematical operations involving percentages and square roots.
  • Experience with the formula a = 2h/t² and its components.
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Homework Statement

Derive an equation for the error in acceleration given the following formula: [tex]a = 2h/t^{2}[/tex]

where a is acceleration, h is height, and t is time.

The attempt at a solution

I was able to come up with the following error equation for acceleration:

[tex]\delta a = a(\delta h/h) + 2t^{2}(\delta t/t)[/tex]

Is this correct?

Thanks
 
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Well I assume you've experimentally found height and time. so put the error of height in percentage of the height. and then there is a formula i can't remember for error of something squared. but find that, but it in percent as well. then all under a square root, add the square of your errors. then you will have a percent error of acceleration
 
The thing is that I'm not looking for percent error, I'm looking for [tex]\delta a[/tex]
 

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