What contributes the most to the error in the density of a cylinder?

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SUMMARY

The primary focus of the discussion is determining which measurement—mass, diameter, or height—contributes most to the error in the density of a cylinder, given that all three are measured with the same percentage error. The consensus is that the diameter has the most significant impact due to its squared relationship in the density formula ρ = 4*M/(π*d²*h). While mass also influences density, the squared term for diameter amplifies its effect on error, making it the critical factor in this scenario.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the density formula ρ = M/V
  • Familiarity with partial derivatives in error analysis
  • Knowledge of how percentage errors propagate in calculations
  • Basic geometry of cylinders, including volume calculations
NEXT STEPS
  • Learn about error propagation in measurements and calculations
  • Study the concept of partial derivatives in the context of physical formulas
  • Explore the impact of squared terms on error analysis in physics
  • Review the derivation and application of the density formula for various shapes
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics or engineering courses, educators teaching measurement and error analysis, and anyone interested in understanding the implications of measurement errors in physical properties.

Violet x3
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Homework Statement



If the three quantities; mass, diameter, and height for a cylinder are measured with the same percentage error, which would contribute the most to the error in the density?

Homework Equations



ρ=M/V
ρ=4*M/(pi*d^2*h)

The Attempt at a Solution



so, I tried to answer it like this:
since the equation for the cylinder density is ρ=2*M/(pi*d^2*h)
since the mass and the height aren't squared the error would remain the same, however the diameter is squared which means the error is squared as well.. so it's the diameter!

BUT my friend says since ρ(density)=M/V , then mass would contribute the most not diameter ;O

HELP PLEASE , I don't know which answer to put in our report D:?!

::
 
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You are right, it's the diameter.
 
REALLY?!
THANKS a lot!
YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW HARD WAS IT FOR ME TO GET AN ANSWER FOR THIS QUESTION!

::

Umm, well ..is it the diameter because of the reason i stated =o?
 
Yes, but the error isn't exactly squared.
 
Yes.In more detail, the error percentage is ##{\Delta \rho \over \rho} \times 100\%##.

The contribution of an error due to some variable x is:
$$\left({\Delta \rho \over \rho}\right)_{\text{due to x}} = {{\partial \rho \over \partial x} \Delta x \over \rho}$$

Do you know how to calculate that for M, d, and h?
 

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