Calculating Collection Rate Error in Labs

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the calculation of error in measuring the collection rate of a radioactive material onto a wire in a laboratory setting. Participants explore the implications of using Poisson distribution for error analysis and the complexities involved in propagating errors from measurements of material on the wire and in the vial.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes the collection rate (CR) as a ratio of material on the wire (W) to the total material (W + R), where R is the residue left in the vial.
  • There is a question regarding the definition of CR as a "rate," with some suggesting it should be termed a "collection fraction."
  • Participants discuss the appropriate way to calculate the error associated with W and R, with some proposing that the error in W+R should be calculated using the sum-error formula.
  • Concerns are raised about the correlation between W and R, with suggestions that the propagation of errors should consider this correlation.
  • One participant mentions that the uncertainty in measurements should follow Poisson statistics, indicating that the standard errors on W and R are the square roots of their respective counts.
  • Another participant questions the necessity of repeatedly measuring W+R, suggesting it may be a constant at the start of the experiment.
  • There is a discussion about potential systematic errors in the measurement process, including the geometry of counting and background radiation differences.
  • One participant raises the issue of material adhering to the wire after withdrawal from the solution, which could introduce additional error into the measurements.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the definitions and calculations related to the collection rate and its associated errors. There is no consensus on how to approach the error propagation, and multiple competing perspectives on the correlation of errors and the nature of systematic errors are present.

Contextual Notes

Limitations in the discussion include unresolved assumptions about the measurement process, the dependence of error calculations on definitions, and the potential impact of systematic errors that have not been fully explored.

  • #31
I accept - not a good example. But there are various tax 'rates' that are dimensionless.
 
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  • #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.
 
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