Calculating Error in Horizontal Velocity for Bouncing Ball Experiment

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the error in the horizontal velocity of a bouncing ball in a physics experiment. The correct formula for error in horizontal velocity is derived from the relationship between measured variables, specifically using the equation: error v = v[(error d)/d + (error g)/g + (error h)/h]. The presence of the factor of 2 in the height variable does not alter the fundamental approach to error calculation, as it is a constant multiplier. The participants emphasize the importance of understanding the powers of the variables involved in the error propagation formula.

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Homework Statement


I slide a ball off of a ramp (the ramp is on a table) and the ball hits the ground and bounces horizontally and vertical.
I know that horizontal velocity = horizontal distance*sqrt(gravity/2*height) or d*sqrt(g/2h)
I want to know the equation for calculation error.

The expression for the error in the horizontal component of ball's velocity is:
Select one:
a. error v = v[(error d)/d + (error g)/g +(error h)/h]
b. error v/2 = v[(error d)/d + (error g)/g +(error h)/h]
c. error v/4 = v[(error d)/d + (error g)/g +(error 2h)/h]
d. error v = v[(error d)/d + (error g)/g +(error 2h)/h]
e. error v/2 = v[(error 2d)/d + (error g)/g +(error h)/h]


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


I think its a. The problem I have is the 2h. I don't know how to deal with it. If v=sqrt(g/h) then I know for sure the answer is a. but since that 2 is there I don't know if the answer is still a.
 
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If [itex]x[/itex] is a function of measured variables [itex]u, v, \ldots[/itex],
[tex]x = f(u, v, \ldots),[/tex]
then,
[tex]\sigma_x^2 \approx \sigma_u^2 \left ( \frac{\partial x}{\partial u}<br /> \right )^2 + \sigma_v^2 \left ( \frac{\partial x}{\partial v} \right )^2<br /> + \ldots \;.[/tex]
You should be able to figure it out from there. Except that I think you may have written down the possible solutions incorrectly; aren't there some missing square roots?
 
None of the choices seem right to me.
Don't worry about the 2 in the 2h. That's just a factor of root 2 on the whole expression. It has no relationship to the h specifically. What matters is the powers of the variables. If e.g. z = A xmyn then Δz/z = m Δx/x + n Δy/y. It's just the normal product rule of differentiation.
 

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