General uncertainties question - type B

[lavster]

Homework Statement

i am trying to quanify uncertainties..

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

For type B uncertainties I have calibration of the oscilloscope, scale reading of the ocilloscope and the uncertaninty of the setup, with associated percentage errors of 2.5%, 1.5% and 3%. I now need to determine whether they follow a normal or rectangular distribution and apply the relevant divisor to my estimated percentage uncertainty. I am unsure how you determine what is normal and what is rectangular. I would assume calibration is normal and scale reading is rectangular? but that's a guess and I have no idea about the uncertainty of the set up ( this includes things like everything is in a straight line etc) Can anyone tell me how I go about coinfidently assigning which probability distribution each one has?

Thanks

 

[jbsteele]

. In order to determine which probability distribution is associated with each of the uncertainties, you should consult the applicable standards for the type of measurement being made. For example, if you are measuring a voltage, the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standard 60044-1 specifies that calibration and scale readings should follow normal distributions, while the uncertainty of the setup should follow a rectangular distribution. It is important to note, however, that the exact probability distributions may vary depending on the specifics of the measurement being made.