Halliday Resnick Krane Example Problem: Uncertainty on Weighing Machine

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding the concept of uncertainty in measurements, specifically in the context of weighing scales. Participants are examining how the scale's readings translate into actual weight ranges and the implications of digital versus analog measurement systems.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are questioning the interpretation of uncertainty as it relates to scale readings, particularly why a scale reading of 119 lb corresponds to a weight range of 118.5 to 119.5 lb rather than a broader range. There is also discussion about the calculation of absolute uncertainty and how it differs between digital and analog scales.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with various participants offering insights and clarifications regarding the definitions and implications of uncertainty in measurements. Some participants are exploring different methods of calculating uncertainty, while others are clarifying the meaning of measurement ranges.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted ambiguity regarding the expected answer for the problem, as well as differing interpretations of how to express uncertainty in measurements. The discussion includes references to specific rules for calculating uncertainty based on the type of scale used.

  • #31
vcsharp2003 said:
So, which type of error is included when absolute uncertainty is specified for a measuring device?
Up until now, we have been focusing on a situation where the only source of error was our ability to read the result from the gauge. Alternately, we have been focusing on a situation where the granularity of the lines on the gauge is our only hint as to the accuracy of the device.

Now you ask about a situation where someone has told us the uncertainty of the device. That uncertainty could include error from various sources. Systematic error, random error, quantization error, whatever.

If all we are given is an uncertainty range (for instance a maximum error bar), we do not know what sort of errors to expect, what kind of error distribution to expect or how the errors might correlate between different measurements.
 

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