Is our experimental value for gravity acceptable?

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The discussion centers on evaluating the acceptability of a 2.02% error in a physics experiment measuring gravity. While some participants argue that a 2% error is generally acceptable, they emphasize that it should never be considered negligible, as it indicates potential inaccuracies in the results. The experimental value obtained was 10 m/s², compared to the theoretical value of 9.8 m/s², highlighting the importance of understanding error margins in scientific conclusions. Participants agree that acknowledging the error is crucial for drawing valid conclusions from the data. Overall, the error exists as a limitation that must be considered, regardless of its size.
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Homework Statement



There was a Physics experiment that I and my friends conducted. The report is due in 5 days. We have written out our report, but there is one question:

Is the eror acceptable?

Homework Equations



The error we got is 2.02 %

The Attempt at a Solution



We wrote our answer "The percent error of this is 2.02%, which is acceptable, because the 2% error is negligible."

Is the 2% error negligible?

Thanks,
Arshad
 
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It really depends on the experiment, can you supply more details?
 
For most intents and purposes, 2% errors are acceptable. They are not, however, by any means negligible. They're there to let you know that you could be wrong by so and so, and that if someone replicates your experiment and gets a result within that margin of error, then even though it isn't the exact same result you got, it still confirms your observations.
 
IMO, the question is a bad question. The error is what it is, there is no choice about accepting it or rejecting it, it just exists. It simply places limitations on what you can conclude from your data. Regardless of how small the error is it is never negligible in general, you always need to keep it in mind when drawing conclusions. But as long as the error is small enough to make the conclusion you are claiming with statistical confidence then your conclusion is safe.
 
@Pengwuino,

We are doing gravity. The theoritical value is 9.8m/s^2, but in our experiment we received the value of 10 m/s^2.

@RoyalCat and DaleSpam,

THANKS! :) Ya'lls answers does makes sense a lot! :) I will change the wording of my answer! :)
 
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