Finding Uncertainty Using Upper/Lower Bound

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on calculating the average acceleration and its associated uncertainty from three trials: 0.93 ± 0.14 m/s², 0.83 ± 0.35 m/s², and 0.93 ± 0.14 m/s². The user initially struggled with determining the uncertainty in the average but found guidance in calculating a weighted average based on the uncertainties of each measurement. A helpful resource was provided, detailing the method for determining uncertainty and offering examples for clarity.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic statistics, specifically weighted averages.
  • Familiarity with the concept of measurement uncertainty.
  • Knowledge of how to calculate upper and lower bounds.
  • Access to resources on experimental physics, such as the provided lecture notes.
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the method for calculating weighted averages in experimental data.
  • Study the principles of measurement uncertainty in physics.
  • Explore the provided resource on uncertainty calculations from the University of Colorado.
  • Practice calculating uncertainties in averages using different sets of experimental data.
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics or engineering, researchers conducting experiments, and anyone involved in data analysis requiring accurate uncertainty calculations.

AstroKeith
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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:
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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!
 

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