Is My Calculation of Uncertainty in Measurements Correct?

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SUMMARY

The calculation of uncertainty in measurements is accurately performed using the method of propagation of uncertainties. When adding two quantities with uncertainties, such as (22.4 mL ± 0.01 mL) and (21.3 mL ± 0.01 mL), the correct result is (43.7 mL ± 0.02 mL). This is due to the fact that when uncertainties are added, they combine linearly, resulting in a total uncertainty of ± 0.02 mL. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding statistical methods for calculating uncertainties, particularly the sum in quadrature for more complex scenarios.

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  • Understanding of basic measurement concepts
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  • Knowledge of statistical analysis techniques
  • Ability to interpret scientific literature on measurement uncertainty
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  • Research the method of propagation of uncertainties in measurements
  • Learn about the sum in quadrature for combining uncertainties
  • Explore resources on statistical analysis for experimental data
  • Review examples of uncertainty calculations in scientific literature
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Researchers, scientists, and students involved in experimental physics or any field requiring precise measurements and uncertainty analysis will benefit from this discussion.

Stevedye56
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Hi,

I just had a quick question in regards to the addition/subtraction of quantaties and their uncertainties.

Am i correct in saying (22.4mL plusminus .01mL) + (21.3mL plusminus .01mL)=43.7 plusminus .02mL?

or is it plusminus .01mL ?

Im pretty sure my first answer is correct just looking for a posative verification, thanks for looking.
 
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Is one familiar with the propagation of uncertainties?

See - http://www.umd.umich.edu/casl/natsci/slc/slconline/UNC1/index.html
for examples.

A statistically more accurate method for uncertainties is the sum in quadrature of the uncertaintieso f individual variables.

http://www.physics.pomona.edu/sixideas/labs/LRM/LR09.pdf
 
Last edited by a moderator:
thanks for the help
 

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