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

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding the contributions of measurement errors in calculating the density of a cylinder, specifically considering mass, diameter, and height, all measured with the same percentage error.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between the variables in the density equation and how their respective errors impact the overall density calculation. There is a debate on whether the diameter or mass contributes more significantly to the error in density.

Discussion Status

Some participants express differing opinions on which variable has the most significant impact on density error. While one participant asserts that the diameter is the key factor due to its squared relationship in the formula, another suggests that mass might be more influential. There is ongoing exploration of these perspectives.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraint of having to report their findings, and there is uncertainty about how to quantify the contributions of each variable's error to the overall density error.

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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