Which Measurement Accuracy Most Impacts the Value of g in Pendulum Calculations?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the measurement accuracy of the period (T), length (l), and radius (a) of a pendulum in calculating the gravitational constant (g). The calculated probable errors were ε_gT = 1.1 x 10^-3, ε_gl = 3.5 x 10^-4, and ε_ga = 6.9 x 10^-5. It was concluded that improving the accuracy of T is crucial, but further analysis indicated that enhancing T's precision could shift the focus to the accuracy of l. Therefore, both measurements require attention for optimal results.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of pendulum mechanics and the formula for gravitational acceleration (g).
  • Familiarity with partial differentiation in error analysis.
  • Knowledge of measurement techniques and their impact on experimental results.
  • Basic proficiency in calculating probable errors in scientific measurements.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research advanced techniques for measuring pendulum period (T) with high precision.
  • Study the impact of measurement noise on experimental physics outcomes.
  • Learn about error propagation in physical measurements and its mathematical foundations.
  • Explore methods for improving the accuracy of length measurements in pendulum experiments.
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, experimental physicists, and educators interested in precision measurement techniques and error analysis in pendulum experiments.

aruwin
Messages
204
Reaction score
0
To get the value of g, the period(T), length of pendulum (l) and radius of pendulum bob (a) were measured.
Well, my question is actually to find which accuracy of one of these measurements need to be improved?
The formulae given to find the probable error are
ε _gT = (partial differentiation of g in respect to T) X ε _T

ε _gl = (partial differentiation of g in respect to l) X ε _l

ε_ga = (partial differentiation of g in respect to a) X ε _a

After calculating, the values were:
ε _gT = 1.1 X 10^-3
ε _gl = 3.5 X 10^-4
ε _ga = 6.9 X 10^-5

Since the ε _gT has the biggest derivative, I think T's accuracy is the one that needs the most improvement. Am I right or wrong?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
You're right. However, your value of l is also pretty noisy. Improve your measurements of T by an order of magnitude and now it is your l value that will be the primary culprit.
 
D H said:
Improve your measurements of T by an order of magnitude .

What do you mean by this?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
4K
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
8K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
9
Views
12K