Uncertainties of Dimensionless Units

AI Thread Summary
When expressing the uncertainty of a dimensionless quantity, such as the coefficient of friction, it is acceptable to write it as 0.40 ± 0.02 instead of including unnecessary decimal places. The precision of the reported value should match the uncertainty to avoid confusion. Including excessive digits can mislead the interpretation of the measurement's accuracy. It's important to ensure clarity and simplicity in reporting uncertainties. Properly formatted, the uncertainty communicates the reliability of the measurement effectively.
Qube
Gold Member
Messages
461
Reaction score
1
I have a physics project, but how do I express the uncertainty of a dimensionless quantity?

E.g. how do I express the uncertainty of the coefficient of friction?

Do I just write 0.403 ±0.02?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The way you write uncertainty is fine. But there's not much point in putting the "0.003" if it's ± 0.02... Might as well write: 0.40 ± 0.02
 
Thread 'Voltmeter readings for this circuit with switches'

Thread 'Voltmeter readings for this circuit with switches'

TL;DR Summary: I would like to know the voltmeter readings on the two resistors separately in the picture in the following cases , When one of the keys is closed When both of them are opened (Knowing that the battery has negligible internal resistance) My thoughts for the first case , one of them must be 12 volt while the other is 0 The second case we'll I think both voltmeter readings should be 12 volt since they are both parallel to the battery and they involve the key within what the...
View full post »
Thread 'Struggling to make relation between elastic force and height'

Thread 'Struggling to make relation between elastic force and height'

Hello guys this is what I tried so far. I used the UTS to calculate the force it needs when the rope tears. My idea was to make a relationship/ function that would give me the force depending on height. Yeah i couldnt find a way to solve it. I also thought about how I could use hooks law (how it was given to me in my script) with the thought of instead of having two part of a rope id have one singular rope from the middle to the top where I could find the difference in height. But the...
View full post »

Similar threads

Understanding the Proper Uncertainty Formula to Use
Replies
4
Views
964
Derivation of uncertainty formula
Replies
7
Views
2K
How can I calculate the uncertainty of the mean with Gaussian error propagation?
Replies
15
Views
972
Is my textbook wrong about absolute uncertainties?
Replies
2
Views
1K
Uncertainty of pendulum period and pendulum length
Replies
7
Views
4K
Calculating Uncertainty when Converting Time
Replies
3
Views
4K
How to Write #s w/ Uncertainty: Rules & Examples
Replies
2
Views
1K
Error propagation leads to different uncertainties, which do I choose?
Replies
15
Views
2K
Oscillating spring experiment uncertainty
Replies
15
Views
3K
I'm getting two possible uncertainties for frequency
Replies
8
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top