Finding Uncertainty Using Upper/Lower Bound

Click For Summary
To find the average acceleration and its uncertainty from the three trials, calculate the weighted average using the uncertainties of each measurement. The weighted average accounts for the different uncertainties, providing a more accurate representation of the data. The provided link offers a detailed explanation and examples on how to determine both the average and the associated uncertainty. Understanding this method is crucial for accurate lab reporting. Properly calculating uncertainty enhances the reliability of experimental results.
AstroKeith
Messages
4
Reaction score
0
Hello,

I'm working on a lab report and am having a bit of trouble when it comes to figuring out uncertainty.

Trial 1 Acceleration: 0.93 ± 0.14 m/s^2
Trial 2 Acceleration: 0.83 ± 0.35 m/s^2
Trial 3 Acceleration: 0.93 ± 0.14 m/s^2

I have three values listed above and and wanted to find the average of the three along with the new uncertainty of that value but I am unsure of what to doEDIT: Figured out the upper lower bound issue I was having. I still do not understand how to find the uncertainty in the average though.

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
The best method would probably be to calculate the weighted average by using the uncertainty in each measurement. See this http://www.colorado.edu/physics/phys2150/phys2150_sp14/phys2150_lec4.pdf if you have not done this before (or if you need review). The link also explains how to determine the uncertainty and there are a few examples.
 
That was extremely helpful. Thanks so much!
 
I do not have a good working knowledge of physics yet. I tried to piece this together but after researching this, I couldn’t figure out the correct laws of physics to combine to develop a formula to answer this question. Ex. 1 - A moving object impacts a static object at a constant velocity. Ex. 2 - A moving object impacts a static object at the same velocity but is accelerating at the moment of impact. Assuming the mass of the objects is the same and the velocity at the moment of impact...

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
Replies
10
Views
7K
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
5K
Replies
6
Views
2K