How Should Error Be Calculated When Determining Angles from Voltage Maxima?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating error when determining angles from voltage maxima in an experiment measuring specific rotation. The user initially struggled with how to quantify the error associated with the angle derived from averaged voltage readings. Two potential methods were considered: applying fractional error from the mean voltage to the angle or calculating the standard error of the mean from individual angle readings corresponding to voltage maxima. Ultimately, the user found that the second approach was the correct method for their analysis. The issue was resolved, confirming the importance of clear data handling in experimental setups.
CricK0es
Messages
54
Reaction score
3

Homework Statement



I have taken 5 sets of readings of voltage against angle for an experiment to determine specific rotation. (I'm using the maxima to determine the phase shift) So, having averaged these values and determined the maximum, I can then trace back to the angle at which this appears. Naturally, this will move depending on the concentration of my solution.

But I don't know how I should obtain the error on this angle. Because I'm obtaining it via the voltage maximums and then merely tracing back to known/consistent values...

So I feel a little stuck, Any guidance would be very much appreciated

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


I considered taking the fractional error on my mean voltage and simply applying this to my angle to accommodate for fluctuation [As in the mean value may be the greatest, but individual readings within my 5 may fall before or beyond.]

OR

Use each individual set and determine an angle at which the maximum applies, and then use the standard error on the mean of the angle as my error on each value
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Sorry, but I could do with a clearer description of the experiment and how you dealt with the data.
What does one set of readings consist of?
What numbers are being averaged, and of what numbers is the maximum being taken?
Maybe you could post the full details of your working.
 
haruspex said:
Sorry, but I could do with a clearer description of the experiment and how you dealt with the data.
What does one set of readings consist of?
What numbers are being averaged, and of what numbers is the maximum being taken?
Maybe you could post the full details of your working.

It's okay. I managed to sort it out and the latter approach was the correct one. I had marked it as solved using my phone but it musn't have gone through. Regardless, thank you
 
Kindly see the attached pdf. My attempt to solve it, is in it. I'm wondering if my solution is right. My idea is this: At any point of time, the ball may be assumed to be at an incline which is at an angle of θ(kindly see both the pics in the pdf file). The value of θ will continuously change and so will the value of friction. I'm not able to figure out, why my solution is wrong, if it is wrong .
TL;DR Summary: I came across this question from a Sri Lankan A-level textbook. Question - An ice cube with a length of 10 cm is immersed in water at 0 °C. An observer observes the ice cube from the water, and it seems to be 7.75 cm long. If the refractive index of water is 4/3, find the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. I could not understand how the apparent height of the ice cube in the water depends on the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. Does anyone have an...
Back
Top