Experimental Values vs. Theoretical Values

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When determining the speed of sound, experimental values may differ from theoretical values based on the methods and models used. Historical examples show that skepticism towards theoretical predictions can lead to significant advancements in experimental techniques and recalibrations of theoretical calculations. The discussion highlights that previous theoretical calculations, such as the electron g factor, were incorrect, prompting improved experimental approaches. This underscores the importance of experimental validation in scientific inquiry. Overall, experimental values can challenge and refine theoretical frameworks.
DBJKIBA
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Hi, if say you are determining the speed of sound and you want to compare your values to the theoretical value, would you predict that your experiment values will be higher or lower than the theoretical value and why?
 
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Depends on how you are determining the speed of sound.
 
Ha! I would have answered: "it depends on the model used to predict the velocity".
 
Hi DBJKIBA-
Many important experiments were successful BECAUSE the experimenters did not believe the theoretical value was correct. In fact it wasn't.
I recall a theoretical calculation of the electron g factor (by Karplus and Kroll) that was wrong, and the disparity with previous experiments led to a succession of new and better experiments, and a recalculation of g.
Bob S
 

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