Scientic error expected in displacement vs time graph and velocity vs time graph

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the scientific error observed in displacement versus time and velocity versus time graphs obtained from a sensor during walking experiments. The measured slope for displacement was -0.742 meters/second, while the mean velocity was -0.2774 meters/second. Participants concluded that these values could be considered equivalent within experimental error, primarily due to inaccuracies in walking straight and potential systematic errors from the sensor. The calculations for mean and mean deviation were highlighted as essential for determining the validity of the measurements.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of displacement and velocity graphs
  • Familiarity with experimental error analysis
  • Knowledge of mean and mean deviation calculations
  • Experience with sensor measurement techniques
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of experimental error and its impact on measurements
  • Learn about systematic and random errors in sensor data
  • Explore advanced techniques for improving sensor accuracy
  • Investigate the effects of motion on sensor readings in displacement experiments
USEFUL FOR

Students conducting physics experiments, educators teaching concepts of motion and error analysis, and researchers interested in sensor accuracy and data interpretation.

Crusaderking1
Messages
158
Reaction score
0
Scientific error expected in displacement vs time graph and velocity vs time graph

Homework Statement



When I used a sensor to measure my movements of walking, during the graph of displacement vs time, I received a slope of -0.742 meters/second, and on the velocity vs time graph the mean I received -0.2774 meters/second.

Do you consider these values to be the same within experimental error? Is this what is scientifically expected? Explain why or why not.

I answered yes, but I don't know why. Is it because I didn't walk in a perfectly straight line or is it because I moved my body to the extent that the wavelengths from the sensor hit me too early/late? Thanks.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution

 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
To calculate error you usually need to do a large number of tests then calculate the mean then the mean deviation

[itex]\sum \frac{v_{i}}{N}\equiv \overline{v}[/itex] i to N for the mean

[itex]\sum \frac{\sqrt{(\overline{v} -v_{i})^{2}}}{N}[/itex] for the mean deviation

if your mean + or - your mean deviation includes your sensor measurement it would be with in experimental error, if not you'd need to explain the systematic errors that occurred or the possible random errorsedit* I'm assuming this is for a lab?
 
Liquidxlax said:
To calculate error you usually need to do a large number of tests then calculate the mean then the mean deviation

[itex]\sum \frac{v_{i}}{N}\equiv \overline{v}[/itex] i to N for the mean

[itex]\sum \frac{\sqrt{(\overline{v} -v_{i})^{2}}}{N}[/itex] for the mean deviation

if your mean + or - your mean deviation includes your sensor measurement it would be with in experimental error, if not you'd need to explain the systematic errors that occurred or the possible random errors


edit* I'm assuming this is for a lab?

Yes, its for lab.

Thanks. I'm going to stick with inaccuracies with with walking perfectly straight then as the main problem because I can't imagine the wavelengths being able to bounce off me without myself moving slightly out of place. I could mention there could be a minor systematic error with the sensor measuring slightly inaccurate.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
5K
  • · Replies 30 ·
2
Replies
30
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
6K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
6K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
6K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
13K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K