Error Propagation Homework: Find T's Error

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the error propagation for the variable T defined by the equation T = √(ks² / (x sin θ cos² θ)). The user successfully differentiates T with respect to its variables, obtaining the expression dT/T = ds/s + (1/2)(dx/x) + ((3sin²θ - 1)cosθ/2)dθ. The challenge lies in expressing the last term in the form dθ/θ, with suggestions to consider small angle approximations. The user also emphasizes avoiding confusion between differentials and derivatives in their calculations.

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  • Understanding of error propagation in experimental physics
  • Familiarity with differentiation of multivariable functions
  • Knowledge of trigonometric identities and small angle approximations
  • Basic grasp of the concepts of constants and variables in mathematical modeling
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  • Research "Error Propagation in Multivariable Functions" for deeper insights
  • Study "Small Angle Approximations in Physics" to justify approximations used
  • Explore "Differentiation Techniques for Multivariable Functions" for advanced methods
  • Review "Trigonometric Identities and Their Applications" for better understanding of sin and cos functions
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Homework Statement



For my lab work, I have created a theoretical model that goes something like:

[tex] T = \sqrt{\frac{ks^2}{x \sin \theta \cos^2\theta}}[/tex]

where k is a constant, and the variables to be differentiated are x, theta and s. How do I find the error of T? I can find the errors of x and s (dx/x and ds/s) from experiment. And of course

[tex]d\theta / \theta[/tex] can also be found from the instrument.

The Attempt at a Solution



Differentiating the term for theta,

[tex]\frac{dF}{d\theta} = -\frac{1}{2} \sqrt{\frac{1}{\sin\theta \cos^2 \theta}} \cos\theta (1 - 3\sin^2\theta)[/tex]

It's easier to differentiate the other two. Anyway, I have:

[tex]\frac{dT}{T} = \frac{ds}{s} + \frac{1}{2}\frac{dx}{x} + \frac{(3\sin^2\theta - 1)\cos\theta}{2}d\theta[/tex]

How can I express the last term in a [tex]d\theta / \theta[/tex] form? The only thing I can think of at the moment is using a small angle approximation, but I don't know how to justify that. And also, clearly, if I could use that, the small angle approximation for cosine has a square term.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
For a function of multiple variables, [tex]T=f(x, s, \theta)[/tex], the error in the function, [tex]\Delta T=\sqrt{(\frac{\partial T}{\partial x}\cdot \Delta x)^2+(\frac{\partial T}{\partial s}\cdot \Delta s)^2+(\frac{\partial T}{\partial \theta}\cdot \Delta \theta)^2}[/tex]

I suggest that you stop using the lowercase [tex]d[/tex] for the errors, because you're bound to get it mixed up with the derivatives you're taking.
 

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