Thank you!mfb said:The relative uncertainy is always positive. The negative sign in your calculation indicates that a larger R leads to a smaller R-2, but that is not relevant here, so you have to take the magnitude.
Relative uncertainty is a measure of the amount of error or variation in a measurement compared to the actual value. It is expressed as a percentage or decimal value and is calculated by dividing the absolute uncertainty by the measured value.
Negative exponents are used to represent very small values, which is the case for relative uncertainty. Since relative uncertainty is a percentage or decimal value, it is typically very small and therefore expressed as a negative exponent to make it easier to read and work with.
Absolute uncertainty is the actual amount of error or variation in a measurement, while relative uncertainty is a measure of this error or variation compared to the measured value. Absolute uncertainty is expressed in the same units as the measurement, while relative uncertainty is expressed as a percentage or decimal value.
No, relative uncertainty cannot be negative. It is always expressed as a positive value, even if the measured value is smaller than the absolute uncertainty. This is because relative uncertainty is a comparison between the measured value and the absolute uncertainty, not a measurement in itself.
Relative uncertainty can be reduced by increasing the precision and accuracy of the measurement. This can be achieved by using more precise instruments, taking multiple measurements, and minimizing sources of error. It is also important to properly account for and calculate absolute uncertainty to accurately determine the relative uncertainty.