Calculating Centripetal Force Error with Given Parameters

In summary, the conversation discusses how to calculate errors for centripetal force using the equation F_c=4πmr/T^2 and suggests using error propagation methods. It also mentions the possibility of using extremes to determine the accuracy of the answer.
  • #1
Awsom Guy
77
0
Hello everybody,
I have a quick question:
Using this equation I can calculate centripetal force:
F_c=4πmr/T^2

If I say m=0.100, r=0.60, 1/t^2=1.43
Then how do I calculate the errors for F_c.
Any help is some help.
Thanks
 
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  • #2
Awsom Guy said:
Hello everybody,
I have a quick question:
Using this equation I can calculate centripetal force:
F_c=4πmr/T^2

If I say m=0.100, r=0.60, 1/t^2=1.43
Then how do I calculate the errors for F_c.
Any help is some help.
Thanks

You need to do is error propagation. Wiki may be good place to look it up:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Propagation_of_uncertainty
 
  • #3
Lots of different ways to calculate different errors.

To get extremes, you can plug in error variations for each variable that lead to an increase in your function, and alternatively, others that lead to a minimum of that function. By groups those extremes, you get an idea of the "accuracy" of your answer, the range of extreme variations.

Of course the chance (probability) that your errors will occur just that way is not as large as those errors occurring in a random way and partially cancelling...
 

1. What is centripetal force and how does it relate to calculating errors?

Centripetal force is the force that keeps an object moving in a circular motion. When calculating errors in centripetal force, it is important to consider the accuracy of the given parameters such as mass, velocity, and radius, as any small error in these values can significantly affect the calculated centripetal force.

2. How do you calculate centripetal force with given parameters?

The formula for calculating centripetal force is F = (m*v^2)/r, where m is the mass of the object, v is the velocity, and r is the radius of the circular motion. Simply plug in the given values for these parameters to calculate the centripetal force.

3. What units should be used when calculating centripetal force?

The units for mass should be in kilograms (kg), velocity in meters per second (m/s), and radius in meters (m). This will ensure that the resulting unit for centripetal force is in Newtons (N).

4. How can uncertainties in the given parameters affect the calculated centripetal force?

If there are uncertainties in the given parameters, such as a slightly inaccurate value for mass or radius, these errors will propagate into the calculation of centripetal force. This can result in a significant error in the final calculated value.

5. How can you minimize error when calculating centripetal force?

To minimize error, it is important to use accurate measuring instruments and carefully record the values for mass, velocity, and radius. It is also helpful to repeat the experiment multiple times and take an average of the calculated centripetal force values to reduce the impact of any small errors.

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