Calculating Measurement Uncertainty for Conical Pendulum Experiment

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating measurement uncertainty for the conical pendulum experiment, specifically in determining the gravitational acceleration g using the formula g_i = 4π²(√(l² - r²))/T². The user seeks clarification on whether to calculate uncertainty Δg using a worst-case scenario approach and how to express relative uncertainty. There is a debate on whether to use Δg/g_i for individual measurements or mean values for relative uncertainty. The conversation emphasizes the importance of accurately representing uncertainty in measurements and the implications of different methods for calculating relative uncertainty. Ultimately, the choice between individual and mean values for relative uncertainty remains a key point of contention.
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The following question is about an experiment with the conical pendulum.
I have measured the length l = 43\,cm the radius r = 10\,cm, I have 3 measurement of the period with the same radius, where the measurements are

T= [1.288, 1.285, 1.301] s

The uncertainties of the measurements are \Delta l = \pm 1\,cm, \Delta r = \pm 1\,cm and \Delta T = \pm 0.02\,s.
I want to calculate the uncertainty in the measurement og g, when

g_i=4\pi^2\frac{\sqrt{l^2-r^2}}{T_i^2}

Can I calculate the uncertainty \Delta g by

\Delta g = 4\pi^2\frac{\sqrt{(l+\Delta l)^2-(r-\Delta r)^2}}{(T_i-\Delta T)^2} - g_i

Where the expression 4\pi^2\left(\sqrt{(l+\Delta l)^2-(r-\Delta r)^2}\right)/(T_i-\Delta T)^2 is the worst case scenario of the measuring g. Is that correct?
If that is how I can calculate the uncertainty in g, is the relative uncertainty then

\frac{\Delta g}{g_i} \qquad \mathrm{or} \qquad \frac{\Delta g}{\overline{g}}

Where \overline{g} is the mean value. Which one is the correct one? The first expression has a relative uncertainty for each measurement.
 
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Yes, calculating the value for the largest possible and then smallest possible values of l, r, and T gives the possible error for the function.

The relative uncertainty is \frac{\Delta g}{g}.
 
Well in the equation

\Delta g_i = 4\pi^2\frac{\sqrt{(l+\Delta l)^2-(r-\Delta r)^2}}{(T_i-\Delta T)^2} - g_i

There is acctually an uncertainty of g, for every measurement \Delta g_i. Should I say

\frac{\Delta g_i}{g_i} \qquad \mathrm{or} \qquad \frac{mean(\Delta g_i)}{mean(g_i)}?

Where in the last equation I only have one value for the relative error. I am not quite certain of what to choose?
 
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