Percent Uncertainty in Spherical Beach Ball Volume

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the percent uncertainty in the volume of a spherical beach ball, given its radius and associated uncertainty. The subject area includes concepts of geometry and uncertainty in measurements.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between the radius and volume of a sphere, questioning how to properly account for uncertainty when cubing the radius. There are attempts to apply formulas for fractional uncertainty and discussions about the implications of cubing the variable.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, offering different approaches to calculate the percent uncertainty. Some have provided equations and numerical attempts, while others are questioning the validity of these methods and seeking clarification on the correct application of uncertainty principles.

Contextual Notes

There is a focus on ensuring the answer adheres to significant figures, and some participants express uncertainty about the proper treatment of the uncertainty value when calculating the volume.

George3
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Homework Statement



What, roughly, is the percent uncertainty in the volume of a spherical beach ball whose radius is r = 0.84 + or - 0.06m?
Answer must have 2 sig figs.

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution


I found the volume of the sphere with .84 radius which would be 3.0 m^3 and then I don't know what to do next.
 
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If y is related to x by a power law,

y = axn, then the fractional uncertainty is

\frac{\Delta y}{y}=n\frac{\Delta x}{x}
 
Consider what happens to the uncertainty in a variable when you cube the variable (should be a standard treatment in the manipulation of uncertainties in variables)
 
Fightfish said:
Consider what happens to the uncertainty in a variable when you cube the variable (should be a standard treatment in the manipulation of uncertainties in variables)
So are you saying I should cube the .06 and then divide that by the 3.0m^3?
 
Could you show your equations and attempts, please?
 
(.84)^3(pi)(4/3) = 2.5 m^3

.06^3 = 2.2x10^-4

2.2x10^-4 / 2.5 = 8.6x10^5

(8.6x10^5) x 100% = .0086%
 
Not how it works. Here, n = 3. Therefore, the fractional uncertainty is

\frac{\Delta V}{V} = 3\times\frac{0.06}{0.84}

Multiply by 100 and you have percent uncertainty.
 

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