Physics help-Sources of errors and limitations

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around identifying sources of errors and limitations in experiments related to the expansion and contraction of the Eiffel Tower due to temperature changes, as well as experiments concerning the center of gravity of irregularly shaped objects and the relationship between fluid pressure and the size of an opening. The original poster seeks assistance in articulating these sources of error.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster outlines a procedure for measuring the Eiffel Tower's expansion and contraction but is questioned about the choice of materials used in the experiment. Participants raise concerns about the implications of using string instead of a more rigid material like steel wire.
  • There is a request for clarification regarding the second part of the fluid lab, which the original poster insists is included, leading to a discussion about the completeness of their submissions.
  • Participants suggest that understanding the reasons behind material choices could reveal potential sources of error.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants exploring the implications of material choices in the experiments. The original poster expresses difficulty in identifying sources of error and acknowledges the need for further research. There is no explicit consensus, but guidance is being offered regarding the importance of material selection.

Contextual Notes

The original poster mentions a deadline for their work, indicating a time constraint that may affect their ability to fully develop their ideas on sources of error and limitations.

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Physics help---Sources of errors and limitations

Two sources of errors and limitations for Eiffel tower lab to prove that it expands in the summer when it is heated and it contracts in the winter when it cools.
Here is the procedure for the experiment i designed:
1. Attach a fixed stick to the tip of the tower and attach the string to the end of the stick.
2. Attach the rubber band to the other end of the string that ends right at the surface of the ground.
3. Mark a point unto the rubber band about 1 meter from the ground.
4. Measure the Eiffel tower in the winter and record your results.
5. Return in the summer and measure it again. If there is a gap between the rubber band and the ground and the point marked has gone above or below a meter then it is proven that the Eiffel tower has expanded. Record your results.

Two sources of errors for center of gravity of an irregular shaped object lab:


Two sources of errors and limitations for fluid and pressure lab. this lab is to prove that fluid and pressure varies with the size of the opening(hole)


Any help anyone? Please?
 
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Regarding the first part... Your experiment relies on a crucial difference between steel and string but you don't mention it. Why use string and not (for example) a steel wire? Isn't the point of the question to spell out it's limitations and possible sources of error? I can think of several sources of error if you really did use string!

Your attempt at part two for the fluids lab is missing :-)
 


What do you mean the part two to the fluid lab is missing? it isnt? and i did use string as i explained in my procedure. yes the point of the question is to find sources of errors and limitations for the labs mentioned. i didnt use steel wire because the teacher didnt recommend that
 


i didnt use steel wire because the teacher didnt recommend that

Do you understand why a steel rope wasn't recommended? Have a think about it. When you understand why a steel rope wouldn't be a great choice you might see why the choice of material is important and how it can introduce a source of error. Hint: Why would this be a good material to use... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Invar

As for the other labs..

Two sources of errors for center of gravity of an irregular shaped object lab:

Two sources of errors and limitations for fluid and pressure lab. this lab is to prove that fluid and pressure varies with the size of the opening(hole)

Have you already had a go at designing experiments for these two?
 


yes i have had a go at designin the lab the only problem i have is thinkin of the sources of errors and limitations and they are due monday and i just can't think of possible sources of errors. No i don't understand why it wasnt recommended. i guess i have to research on that.
 

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