Finding percentage and absolute uncertainties

In summary, the conversation discusses solving a question that involves calculating the Young's modulus using the formula (Force/Area)/(Extension/Load). The conversation also mentions the concept of relative error and the formula for calculating it. It is suggested that if the error in one factor is negligible, the relative error in the overall calculation will be the same. Additionally, it is mentioned that if the error in one factor cannot be ignored, the errors should be added in quadrature. Finally, it is suggested to calculate the extreme values of the extension to determine the possible values of the modulus.
  • #1
haha0p1
46
9
Homework Statement
Find the percentage and absolute uncertainities in the young modulus if the uncertainty in the extension is ±1 mm.
Relevant Equations
Young modulus= Stress ÷ Strain
the answers to other parts of the question:

a, 2.0×10-⁷
b, 40 N
c, O.O5
d, 4×10⁹Pa
I Really don't understand how to solve the e part
I Know that Young modulus= (Force÷Area)÷(Extension÷Load)
kindly guide how to solve this question.
IMG_20230113_115541.jpg
 
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  • #2
This is somewhat undetermined, because you have no information on the uncertainty of the other factors. My guess is that you are supposed to ignore them.

The simplest form (even simpler than this) says
relative error in product or quotient due to one of the factors is equal to relative error in that factor. So if ##f = A B## and A has an relative error of 0.2 and B has a relative error of negligible magnitude, then the relative error in ##f## is also 0.2

idem if ##f=A/B##.

If the error in ##B## can not be ignored (and is independent of the error in A) then the errors should be added in quadrature (see the link).

Does this help ?

##\ ##
 
  • #3
If you have not been taught the formulae @BvU quotes, an obvious way is to calculate the extreme values that the extension might really be and see what values those would give for the modulus.
 
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FAQ: Finding percentage and absolute uncertainties

What is the difference between absolute and percentage uncertainty?

Absolute uncertainty is the uncertainty in the measurement itself, expressed in the same units as the measurement. Percentage uncertainty, on the other hand, is the absolute uncertainty expressed as a percentage of the measured value. It provides a way to compare the relative size of the uncertainty to the size of the measurement.

How do you calculate absolute uncertainty?

Absolute uncertainty can be calculated by taking the range of the measurements (the difference between the maximum and minimum values) and dividing it by 2. Alternatively, if the measurement device has a specified precision, the absolute uncertainty can be taken as the smallest division or the specified uncertainty of the device.

How do you calculate percentage uncertainty?

Percentage uncertainty is calculated by dividing the absolute uncertainty by the measured value and then multiplying by 100 to get a percentage. The formula is: (Absolute Uncertainty / Measured Value) * 100.

How do you combine uncertainties when adding or subtracting measurements?

When adding or subtracting measurements, the absolute uncertainties are combined. This means you add the absolute uncertainties of each measurement to get the total absolute uncertainty. The formula is: Total Absolute Uncertainty = sqrt((Uncertainty1)^2 + (Uncertainty2)^2 + ...).

How do you combine uncertainties when multiplying or dividing measurements?

When multiplying or dividing measurements, the percentage uncertainties are combined. This means you add the percentage uncertainties of each measurement to get the total percentage uncertainty. The formula is: Total Percentage Uncertainty = sqrt((Percentage Uncertainty1)^2 + (Percentage Uncertainty2)^2 + ...).

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