Calculating error in pendulum motion

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the propagated error in the acceleration due to gravity (g) based on measurements taken from a pendulum's period (T) over multiple cycles. The original poster expresses concern about the size of the calculated error and its implications for significant figures.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply the equation for propagated error to their measurements but questions the magnitude of the error they obtained. Other participants engage by discussing the implications of significant figures and the contributions of various errors to the overall calculation.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively discussing the calculations and the significance of the error. Some have provided insights into the relative contributions of different errors to the final result, while others have expressed understanding of the original poster's concerns regarding significant figures.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of the original poster's calculations and the need for clarity on the size of the error in relation to significant figures. Additionally, some posts address technical issues with image rotation, which may affect the clarity of the shared calculations.

asadpasat
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Homework Statement


I have to calculate the propagated error on g of pendulum. I pretty much measured the T of pendulum and now calculating g while increasing the number of cycles.

Homework Equations


I used the equation of propagated error and i included picture of it and my calculations.

The Attempt at a Solution


I plugged all the values into the equation but what bothers me is the size of the error. For 20 cycles I get g=9.776, but my error is 0.02. This seems like a huge error, and would mean that my g would equal to 9.78. Anyone sees any mistake?
 

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To avoid a crick in the neck
 

Attachments

  • Pend error prop.png
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TSny said:
To avoid a crick in the neck
Thanks! Makes it more convenient.
 
Here is picture of the equation and detail calculations.
* I don't know how to rotate the picture, sorry.

Edit: Image rotated by moderator:

Pend Calc.JPG
 

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asadpasat said:
* I don't know how to rotate the picture, sorry.
Most platforms have ways to rotate an image. What type of computer are you working from?
 
asadpasat said:
I plugged all the values into the equation but what bothers me is the size of the error. For 20 cycles I get g=9.776, but my error is 0.02. This seems like a huge error, and would mean that my g would equal to 9.78. Anyone sees any mistake?
I don't see any mistakes (but I didn't check all your calculations). Why do you think your error is "huge"?
 
Here, I figured it out.
 

Attachments

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TSny said:
I don't see any mistakes. Why do you think your error is "huge"?
Well I think it's huge because it would mean that I can trust my g only to 3 sig figs. So I pretty much throw away one sig fig.
 
3 sig figs seems OK to me. For 20 cycles you have a fractional error in T of about .001/1.44 ≅ .0007. But note that T is squared in the formula for g. So, the contribution of the error in T to the relative error in g should be roughly 2(.0007) ≅ .001. The contribution of the error in L to the relative error in g is roughly .0006/.51 ≅ .001. So, I don't think it's surprising that when you use your more accurate formula to determine the error in g, you find that you are only getting 3 sig. figs. for g.
 
  • #10
asadpasat said:
Here, I figured it out.
upload_2017-2-5_14-17-45.png

You made an error in grinding the numbers here.
 
  • #11
TSny said:
View attachment 112607
You made an error in grinding the numbers here.
Wow. Thanks a a lot. Now it makes way more sense for that cycle.
 

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