Troubleshooting Gradient Errors in Linear Graphs: Tips and Techniques

In summary, you should interpolate your data points for best fit and use the RMS error to determine the percentage error in your gradient.
  • #1
garyman
19
0
I am trying to work out the error in the gradient for a linear graph. I have worked out the the RMS error for the y-values, but since I am using excel to determine the graident of the graph I am a little unsure about how to work out the percentage error in my gradient from the RMS error. Am i right in thinking that I should work out the gradient by hand using points within my data range and the relative error will be the RMS error (for Y-values)/Change in Y? IS there a simpler way?

I know the graph in theory should pass through (0,0) since the x values are the magnetic field strength, should I force the intercept through (0,0) or just include that point when drawing the line of best fit?
 
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  • #2
Sorry, you will have to be more descriptive. What are your experimental values, and how do they relate to the theory of your experiment? John Taylor has the best error analysis book, and you should try and find it.
 
  • #3
Its a plot of energy level spittings for transisitions for a cadmium dischrage lamp(J) against varying margnetic field(mT). The Graident of which is the Bohr Magnetron.
 
  • #4
Alright, but what equation are you using? Are you supposed to interpolate data points for best fit? What is it that you found experimentally (energy?) and what are you calculating with E*B^2/pq (made up)?
 
  • #5
[tex]\Delta[/tex]E=2[tex]\mu[/tex]*B ,where E is doublet energy spacing, mu is the Bohr Magnetron and B is the magnetic field strength. I used excel to plot a linear-least squares regression line.
 
  • #6
This is all taken from Taylor, imagine you have a line of y=A+Bx, and if you want to fit to a line then a chi squared minimization would tell you that the constants will be

[tex]A=\frac{\sum x^2 \sum y - \sum x \sum xy}{\Delta}[/tex]

[tex]B = \frac{B \sum xy - \sum x \sum y}{\Delta}[/tex]

[tex]\Delta = N \sum x^2 - (\sum x)^2[/tex]

The measurements of each yi, in your case the energy, have their own uncertainty that does not necessarily follow the standard deviation, so we do a sort of least squares standard deviation

[tex]\sigma_y = \sqrt{\frac{1}{N-2}\sum_{i=1}^N (y_i - A -Bx_i)^2}[/tex]

and now the uncertainties on each of the constants would follow as

[tex]\sigma_A = \sigma_y \sqrt{\frac{\sum x^2}{\Delta}}[/tex]

and

[tex]\sigma_B = \sigma_y \sqrt{\frac{N}{\Delta}}[/tex]

You should have seen the constant A pass through zero, but if you didn't then you cannot force it. Experimental data must be represented in its entirety unless Chauvenet's Criterion tells you that you can reject a certain point, if you have a measurement way outside the spread of the distribution, say a couple sigma for a normalized distribution.

Is this helpful? Sorry I couldn't get back to you before now.
 

1. What is error analysis?

Error analysis is a process used in the scientific method to identify and quantify the uncertainties and errors in experimental data. It involves evaluating the sources of error and determining their impact on the accuracy and precision of the results.

2. Why is error analysis important?

Error analysis is important because it allows scientists to assess the reliability of their data and draw meaningful conclusions from their experiments. It helps to identify potential flaws in experimental design or measurement techniques, and can lead to improvements in future studies.

3. How is error analysis performed?

Error analysis is typically performed by comparing the measured values to the accepted or expected values. This can involve statistical methods such as calculating the mean, standard deviation, and percent error. It also involves identifying and evaluating potential sources of error and determining their impact on the results.

4. What are the different types of errors in error analysis?

There are three main types of errors in error analysis: systematic errors, random errors, and human errors. Systematic errors are consistent errors that affect all measurements in the same way, while random errors are unpredictable and can occur in any direction. Human errors are caused by mistakes made during the experimental process.

5. How can errors be reduced or minimized in experiments?

Errors can be reduced or minimized in experiments by using proper experimental design and techniques, calibrating equipment, and repeating measurements multiple times. It is also important to identify and account for potential sources of error, and to perform thorough error analysis to assess the reliability of the data.

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