Errors and approximation question

In summary, the inertial navigation system has an initial error of 0.0001m/s^-2 in one direction. After 30 minutes, an additional error of -0.00005m/s^-2 in acceleration builds up, causing an error of 1.8 m/s in velocity and 32400 m in distance traveled. After every 30 minutes, the error in velocity increases by 0.162 m/s and the error in distance traveled increases by 291.6 m.
  • #1
gkraju
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Homework Statement



In an inertial navigation system on switching ON an intial error of 0.0001m/s^-2 exists in one direction.
After 30 minutes an additional error of -0.00005m/s^-2 in acceleration builds up.
The system navigates for 2hrs 30 minutes after switching ON. compute the error in velocity and distance after every 30 minutes for this navigation
 
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  • #2
do you have any ideas?
 
  • #3
gkraju said:

Homework Statement



In an inertial navigation system on switching ON an intial error of 0.0001m/s^-2 exists in one direction.
After 30 minutes an additional error of -0.00005m/s^-2 in acceleration builds up.
What do you mean by this? Do you mean that there is an intial error of 0.0001 and then after 30 minutes the error becomes 0.0001- 0.00005= 0.00009? And what do you mean by "in one direction"? In what direction? Or is it to be assumed that all motion is in one direction?

The system navigates for 2hrs 30 minutes after switching ON. compute the error in velocity and distance after every 30 minutes for this navigation
Assuming what I have said above, after the first 30 minutes, the acceleration is a+ .0001 so the velocity will be 30(60)(a+ .0001)= 1800a+ 1.8 so there is an error of 1.8 m/s in the velocity. The distance traveled is 30(180)(1800a+ 1.8)= 3240000a+ 32400 so there is an error of 32400 m in distance traveled.

For the next 30 minutes, the acceleration is a+ 0.00009[/math] so the velocity after 30 minutes has changed by 30(60)(a+ 0.00009)= 1800a+ .162. The total velocity would be 1800a+ 1.8+ 1800a+ .162= 3600a+ 1.962. The error in the velocity is now 1.962 m/s. At that velocity, in 30 minutes, the distance traveled is 30(60)(3600a+ 1.962)= 6480000a+ 3531.6[/itex]. The error is distance traveled, after the first hour is 3531.6 m.

For every succeeding 30 minutes, the acceleration error remains 0.00009 so every 30 minutes the error in velocity increases by 30(60(.00009)= .162 m/s and the error in distance traveled increases by 30(60)(.162)= 291.6 m.
 

FAQ: Errors and approximation question

1. What are the different types of errors in scientific measurements?

There are three main types of errors in scientific measurements: systematic, random, and gross errors. Systematic errors are caused by flaws in the experimental setup or measurement techniques and can lead to consistent inaccuracies. Random errors, also known as statistical errors, are caused by natural variations in the measurement process and can be reduced by taking multiple measurements. Gross errors are caused by human mistakes or equipment malfunctions and can significantly affect the accuracy of the measurement.

2. How do you calculate the percent error in a measurement?

The percent error is calculated by subtracting the accepted or true value from the measured value, dividing the result by the accepted value, and then multiplying by 100. The formula is: percent error = (measured value - accepted value) / accepted value x 100. This value indicates the percentage of error in the measurement, with a lower percent error indicating a more accurate measurement.

3. Why do we use approximations in scientific calculations?

Approximations are used in scientific calculations to simplify complex equations and make them more manageable. In some cases, exact solutions may be impossible to obtain, and approximations can provide a reasonable estimate. Additionally, approximations can save time and resources in calculations and allow for faster analysis of data.

4. What is the difference between absolute and relative error?

Absolute error is the difference between the measured value and the true value, whereas relative error is the ratio of the absolute error to the true value. Absolute error is expressed in the same units as the measurement, while relative error is expressed as a percentage. Relative error is useful for comparing the accuracy of different measurements, while absolute error provides a more precise measure of the magnitude of the error.

5. How can we minimize errors in scientific experiments?

To minimize errors in scientific experiments, it is essential to carefully design and control the experimental setup, use precise and calibrated equipment, and take multiple measurements. Additionally, it is crucial to identify and account for any sources of error and to use appropriate mathematical techniques to analyze the data. Collaborating with other scientists and peer-reviewing experimental methods can also help identify potential errors and improve the accuracy of scientific results.

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