Semi ln plot- uncertainty estimation

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the calculation of uncertainty from a semi-ln plot, specifically focusing on the interpretation of standard errors from linear fitting and their implications for estimating uncertainties in derived values.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes a method for calculating the uncertainty of a derived value J' from the semi-ln plot, noting the standard error from the linear fit.
  • Another participant challenges the initial interpretation of uncertainty, suggesting that the uncertainty of the value should be considered in relation to the exponential function of the fitted parameter.
  • A subsequent reply proposes a calculation for uncertainty based on the exponential of the fitted value adjusted by the standard error, arriving at a specific numerical result.
  • Another participant cautions that the treatment of uncertainty may not be straightforward and suggests that a more refined approach could yield asymmetric uncertainties.
  • A later reply indicates a realization that the uncertainty calculation should be adjusted by dividing the difference by two, implying a correction to the earlier method.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the complexity of uncertainty estimation, with some suggesting simpler methods while others advocate for more nuanced approaches. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best method for estimating uncertainties in this context.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include potential assumptions about the distribution of errors and the treatment of uncertainties as symmetric versus asymmetric, which have not been fully explored.

Imperatore
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Hello there!

There is a problem with calculating the uncertainty from semi- ln plot. The linear fitting gives standard errors as you can see in attached picture. In the Y axis are ln J values, obviously. If the intersection with y-axis, x=0, then we get the point y=b=-33,21, and it's ln J', so the J' equals: exp(-33,21), ok it works fine. But the uncertainty of J' gives then value of exp(0,212), which is about 10^14 factor greater than the calculated value of J'.

What's wrong with my solution?
 

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Imperatore said:
But the uncertainty of J' gives then value of exp(0,212)
That is not what it gives. The uncertainty of 0.212 means your value 33.21 could also be 0.212 larger or smaller (there is a more mathematical statement behind it, but let's keep it at that level). What is exp(33.21 ± 0.212)?
 
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I got it. Uncertainty is |exp(-33.21-0.212)-exp(-33.21+0.212)| equals 1,6 e-15 Is it really that simple?
 
It is not that simple, and a better treatment would likely lead to asymmetric uncertainties. But looking at the up and down deviation gives some reasonable approximation.
 
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Oh, I should devided that relation |exp(-33.21-0.212)-exp(-33.21+0.212)| by 2, obviously.
 

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