How is Uncertainty Propagated in Pendulum Period Measurements?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around measuring the period of a pendulum, with a reported value of T=2.18 +/- 0.02, which aligns closely with the true period. The calculated value for g is 9.96 +/- 0.2, but the accuracy of this measurement is questioned due to the lack of error in the pendulum's length, which is stated as 1.20 meters. The importance of propagating errors correctly in calculations to determine g is emphasized, particularly when using the formula L = g/4π² * T². The user notes that varying the period slightly results in g values that bracket the true value, indicating sensitivity in the measurements. Accurate error propagation is crucial for reliable results in pendulum experiments.
RaamGeneral
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Hello.
I have measured the period of the pendulum
T=2.18 +/- 0.02

which is consistent with the true period 2.19865... so I expect myself to find a consistent value of g if I apply the formula propagating the error in the right way.

I get
g=9.96 +/- 0.2Why?
 
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Assuming you are referring to a simple pendulum what is it's length, and the error in that measurement? The final calculated value for g will involve both errors .
 
Thanks for your reply. Length is 1.20 meter without error. I'm training myself with a simulation on computer. The problem here is calculation, I discovered that usually to find g, we find the slope of the line L = g/4pi^2 * T^2
I also noticed that if i take T = 2.20 and T = 2.16, and I calculate g, the real value is between them.
 
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