- #1
Roger Dodger
- 42
- 3
In scientific experiment, we often have a physical property that can change but have no detectable impact on the measurement.
For example, suppose I have a mass of (say) 30 grams attached to a string passing over a pulley. I can add up to another 2 grams and the system doesn't budge.
In our lab manual, we call this additional 2 grams the least detectable difference and write the mass as 30 +- 2 grams. However, I cannot find any literature that uses this term. In fact, it doesn't appear to be discussed much at all.
What is the proper name for this effect? Is it the least detectable difference, minimum detectable difference, or smallest detectable difference. Or, is there a better term to use, such as (say) sensitivity uncertainty or sensitivity error?
For example, suppose I have a mass of (say) 30 grams attached to a string passing over a pulley. I can add up to another 2 grams and the system doesn't budge.
In our lab manual, we call this additional 2 grams the least detectable difference and write the mass as 30 +- 2 grams. However, I cannot find any literature that uses this term. In fact, it doesn't appear to be discussed much at all.
What is the proper name for this effect? Is it the least detectable difference, minimum detectable difference, or smallest detectable difference. Or, is there a better term to use, such as (say) sensitivity uncertainty or sensitivity error?