Graphing Data in Excel: Error Bar Confusion

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on error propagation in Excel when graphing data, specifically concerning the calculation of error bars for inverse length and squared frequency. The user clarifies that with an error in length of 0.001 m, the error bars for the inverse length should remain at 0.001 m, not 1/0.001. Additionally, when graphing theoretical frequency squared, the error bars should be calculated as 17, not 17^2. The key takeaway is the importance of understanding how to propagate errors correctly in mathematical functions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of error propagation principles
  • Familiarity with Excel graphing tools
  • Basic knowledge of inverse functions
  • Concept of squaring values in mathematical equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study error propagation techniques in detail
  • Learn how to use Excel's error bar features effectively
  • Research mathematical functions and their inverses
  • Explore the implications of squaring values in data analysis
USEFUL FOR

Students conducting experiments, researchers analyzing data, and anyone using Excel for scientific graphing and error analysis.

Hi Im Paul
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
I'm currently writing a paper over an experiment I did for class and I have a very stupid question over I need clarification on before I continue.

I am using excel to graph out data, and I have determined that the error in my Length is .001 m. However, I am graphing the inverse of length to show that my theoretical model is proportional to 1/L. Will the error bars I use be .001, or will the error bars be 1/.001? Surely it can't be 1/.001!

Also, I determined through error propegation that the error in my theoretical frequency is, let's say 17. However, I am graphing my theoretical f^2. Will my error bars by 17, or 17^2?

Could use some reassurance!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Consider your variable to be y = 1/x. The uncertainty is δx=0.001 m. What is the uncertainty δy? Then propagate errors in f(y) knowing δy.
 

Similar threads

Undergrad Error bars in Excel (standard deviation, standard error, percentage)
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Which software to use to create this graph?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
How do you calculate the margin of error in Physics?
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
1K
Computing Errors when Data Sets are Given
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
1K
MATLAB Weighting data points with fitted curve in Matlab
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
6K
MATLAB Matlab matrix bar graph with errors
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
5K
Error propagation leads to different uncertainties, which do I choose?
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
Undergrad Propagation of Errors, Ohm's Law
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
5K
Why Are There Floating Point Errors When Parsing Data in Pandas?
  • · Replies 42 ·
2
Replies
42
Views
9K
Undergrad Weighting data based on the errors
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K