Undergrad Calculating Collection Rate Error in Labs

  • Thread starter Thread starter CloudNine
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Error Labs Rate
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the collection rate (CR) of a radioactive material on a wire, governed by Poisson distribution. The formula for CR is defined as CR=W/(W+R), where W represents the material on the wire and R is the residue in the vial. Participants clarify the error propagation formula, emphasizing that the errors in W and R are correlated and must be treated accordingly. The correct approach to error calculation involves using the covariance of W and R, leading to a more complex error propagation formula.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Poisson distribution and its application in error analysis.
  • Familiarity with error propagation techniques in experimental physics.
  • Knowledge of radioactive material measurement using gamma detectors.
  • Proficiency in mathematical concepts related to rates and ratios.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study advanced error propagation methods in experimental physics.
  • Learn about Poisson statistics and its implications for measurement uncertainty.
  • Explore techniques for measuring radioactive materials accurately, including background correction methods.
  • Investigate the relationship between counts per minute (CPM) and actual count measurements in radiation detection.
USEFUL FOR

Researchers, physicists, and laboratory technicians involved in experimental design and data analysis, particularly in fields related to radiation measurement and error analysis.

  • #31
I accept - not a good example. But there are various tax 'rates' that are dimensionless.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #32
Gezstarski said:
I accept - not a good example. But there are various tax 'rates' that are dimensionless.
And you pay your income taxes once per year. Or sales tax once per purchase. It makes a difference. Final answer.
 
  • Like
Likes Vanadium 50

Similar threads

Undergrad Formula for the propagation of complex errors
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Undergrad What is this formula measuring error?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Undergrad Monte Carlo for uncertainty estimation
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Undergrad Confused about error propagation
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
2K
Undergrad Calculating the inverse of a function involving the error function
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Undergrad Poisson Error Q: Can I Add Errors in Quadrature?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Undergrad How Should I Calculate Error on the Mean with Identical Measurements?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
Undergrad How Should Systematic Errors Be Estimated When Experiment Results Differ?
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
3K
Undergrad Scaling covariance for an error calculation
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Graduate Confused about magnitude of error
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
3K