Spring constant and uncertainty in spring constant calculation

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To calculate the spring constant (k) and its uncertainty (sigma_k), the formula k = [4(pi)^2]/slope is used. The uncertainty in k is derived solely from the uncertainty in the slope, as constants like π do not contribute to uncertainty. The percentage uncertainty of the slope translates directly to the percentage uncertainty of k. Therefore, sigma_k can be calculated by applying the slope's uncertainty to the k value. Understanding these relationships is crucial for accurate calculations in physics experiments involving springs.
vcooper28
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Homework Statement



The spring constant (k) and uncertainty in the spring constant(sigma_k) have to be calculated with the values available for: period (T), number of oscillations (N), mass (m), time, slope and uncertainty in slope. The spring constant can be done with the first equation but I have no idea how to calculate the uncertainty in the spring constant.

Homework Equations


k=[4(pi)^2]/slope

[k+/- (sigma_k)] = [4(pi)^2]/[slope +/- (sigma_k)]


The Attempt at a Solution

 
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vcooper28 said:

Homework Statement



The spring constant (k) and uncertainty in the spring constant(sigma_k) have to be calculated with the values available for: period (T), number of oscillations (N), mass (m), time, slope and uncertainty in slope. The spring constant can be done with the first equation but I have no idea how to calculate the uncertainty in the spring constant.

Homework Equations


k=[4(pi)^2]/slope

[k+/- (sigma_k)] = [4(pi)^2]/[slope +/- (sigma_k)]

The Attempt at a Solution


The only uncertainty you have in k - given your formula - is the uncertainty in the slope.
There is no uncertainty in the constants like π, so you use the percentage uncertainty of the slope as the percentage uncertainty of k.
 
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