Calculating Uncertainty for ln x: A Short Guide

AI Thread Summary
To determine the value of ln x and its uncertainty for x = (7.2 ± 0.6) m, the calculated result is 1.97 ± 0.08. The discussion highlights the use of the derivative to find uncertainty, specifically the formula Δf = f'(x₀) · Δx, which approximates changes in a function based on its slope. This method can be applied to the natural logarithm function, leading to the correct uncertainty calculation. Participants emphasize the importance of understanding this formula for effectively handling uncertainties in measurements. Overall, mastering these concepts is essential for accurate scientific calculations.
fluppocinonys
Messages
19
Reaction score
1

Homework Statement


If x = (7.2\pm0.6) m, determine the value of ln x with its associated uncertainty.

(Ans is 1.97\pm0.08)


Homework Equations


A = k{B^m}{\rm{ }} \Rightarrow {\rm{ }}\frac{{\Delta A}}{A} = m\frac{{\Delta B}}{B}
(perhaps?)

The Attempt at a Solution


i tried to ln7.2 and got 1.97, however ln0.6 = negative value. How to get 0.08?
Thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
If you have any (differentiable) function f(x), and the measurement is given as x = x_0 + \Delta x, there is a general formula for giving the central value of f (which is just f(x_0) as you would expect) and the uncertainty. Do you know what formula I'm hinting at?
 
CompuChip said:
If you have any (differentiable) function f(x), and the measurement is given as x = x_0 + \Delta x, there is a general formula for giving the central value of f (which is just f(x_0) as you would expect) and the uncertainty. Do you know what formula I'm hinting at?
No... :rolleyes:
I don't think I've learned that far
 
Well, maybe it's time you learn it.
It's very useful and easy to remember:

\Delta f = f'(x_0) \cdot \Delta x (*)
so the uncertainty in f is the derivative of f w.r.t. x (evaluated at the central value) times the uncertainty in x.
The justification is of course, that very close to x_0, we can approximate the function f by a straight line with slope f&#039;(x_0). So if you vary x by an amount \Delta x, then you can approximate the change in f by the variation f&#039;(x_0) \Delta x[/itex] of the line.<br /> <br /> If you have multiple variables, like f(x, y, z, ...) then you can simply extend this to<br /> \Delta f^2 = \left( \frac{\partial f(x_0, y_0, z_0, \cdots)}{\partial x} \Delta x \right)^2 + \left( \frac{\partial f(x_0, y_0, z_0, \cdots)}{\partial y} \Delta y \right)^2 + \left( \frac{\partial f(x_0, y_0, z_0, \cdots)}{\partial z} \Delta z \right)^2 + \cdots<br /> which looks like a combination of that identity and the Pythagorean theorem. <br /> <br /> [If you haven&#039;t learned about partial derivatives, forget about that last paragraph, you should remember formula (*) though].<br /> <br /> When you apply (*) to the special case f(x) = k x^m you will get that <br /> \frac{\Delta f}{f} = m \frac{\Delta x}{x}<br /> as you said. When you apply it to f(x) = ln(x) you will get the requested answer.
 
All right, that was rather overwhelming...
Nonetheless, thanks for helping me! you're very helpful :D
 
Hmm, looks impressive doesn't it.
Just play around with it and you'll see that it looks harder than it is (if you know how to differentiate and multiply, that is).
 
Thread 'Collision of a bullet on a rod-string system: query'
In this question, I have a question. I am NOT trying to solve it, but it is just a conceptual question. Consider the point on the rod, which connects the string and the rod. My question: just before and after the collision, is ANGULAR momentum CONSERVED about this point? Lets call the point which connects the string and rod as P. Why am I asking this? : it is clear from the scenario that the point of concern, which connects the string and the rod, moves in a circular path due to the string...
Back
Top