Please help, stuck -- Standard error in speed of sound wave....

In summary, the conversation is about calculating the error in the speed of sound, with one person getting a value higher than the actual speed of sound and questioning if that is possible. The other person explains that it is possible to have an error larger than the value, using an example of subtracting two measurements. However, in this case, the error on the wavelength is actually bigger than the wavelength itself.
  • #1
Erenjaeger
141
6
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd...._=1461854936_dad2ac5d3bd3a844b9428cd47c7dc733

Not sure if this counts as "advanced physics homework" but can someone please help me here.
I keep getting 591.1489m/s for the error in speed of sound, but the actual value of speed of sound is v=346.0425 and you obviously can't have an error larger than your actual value. (let me know if the link isn't working too)
 
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  • #2
You can have an error bigger than the value ... for instance is you subtract two measurements.
##1\pm 0.1 - 0.9\pm 0.09 = 0.1\pm 0.19##

But in your case the error on your wavelength is bigger than your wavelength (1st term under the square-root).
 
  • #3
Simon Bridge said:
You can have an error bigger than the value ... for instance is you subtract two measurements.
##1\pm 0.1 - 0.9\pm 0.09 = 0.1\pm 0.19##

But in your case the error on your wavelength is bigger than your wavelength (1st term under the square-root).

Yeah I just read that, thanks man.
 

1. What is the standard error in the speed of sound wave?

The standard error in the speed of sound wave refers to the amount of variability or uncertainty in the measured value of the speed of sound. It is often expressed in terms of the standard deviation, which is a measure of how much the data points vary from the mean value.

2. How is the standard error in the speed of sound wave calculated?

The standard error in the speed of sound wave is typically calculated by taking the standard deviation of a set of measurements and dividing it by the square root of the number of measurements. This provides an estimate of the average amount of error in each measurement.

3. What factors can contribute to the standard error in the speed of sound wave?

The standard error in the speed of sound wave can be affected by a variety of factors, including the precision of the instruments used to make the measurements, the skill of the person making the measurements, and external factors such as temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure.

4. Why is it important to understand the standard error in the speed of sound wave?

Understanding the standard error in the speed of sound wave is important because it allows us to evaluate the reliability and accuracy of our measurements. It also helps us to determine the degree of confidence we can have in the measured value of the speed of sound.

5. How can the standard error in the speed of sound wave be reduced?

The standard error in the speed of sound wave can be reduced by using more precise instruments, taking multiple measurements and averaging them, and minimizing external factors such as temperature and humidity. It can also be reduced by improving the technique and skill of the person making the measurements.

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