Reported uncertainties for time and distance in physics experiment

  • #1
fog37
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TL;DR Summary
Reported uncertainties for time and distance in physics experiment used to create error bars in scatterplot
Hello,
I was looking at my physics lab manual... There is a table reporting time and distance data which were both measured and collected (see below). My understanding is that the uncertainty for different and measured time instants should be the same because the time was measured with the same instrument (say a stopwatch) which determines the instrumental uncertainty. However, the 3rd column shows different uncertainty values for different ##t## values.. The manual does not explain why. Those different uncertainties could be relative uncertainties, i.e. the instrument uncertainty divided by the measured value...
Same goes for the distance: if we used a meter stick, the conservative uncertainty should be half the least count, i.e. 0.5 mm or 0.05cm. So the 4th column is the relative uncertainty.

These relative uncertainties are used to create error bars...Is that a good and standard procedure?

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Another table I found shows uncertainties that are bigger than 1 and are different for different t values (same goes for distance). How are those uncertainties calculated?

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  • #2
fog37 said:
My understanding is that the uncertainty for different and measured time instants should be the same because the time was measured with the same instrument (say a stopwatch) which determines the instrumental uncertainty.
So, is the stopwatch clicked by a mechanical device with only slight lag time variations or by a human with, depending on the length of time, enormously varying lag times?
 

Related to Reported uncertainties for time and distance in physics experiment

What are reported uncertainties in physics experiments?

Reported uncertainties in physics experiments refer to the quantified estimates of the possible deviation or error in the measured values of quantities such as time and distance. These uncertainties provide a range within which the true value is expected to lie and are crucial for assessing the reliability and precision of the experimental results.

How are uncertainties in time measurements typically determined?

Uncertainties in time measurements are typically determined by considering factors such as the precision of the timing instruments, reaction time of the experimenter, and any inherent variability in the process being timed. Common methods include using the standard deviation of multiple measurements or the least count of the timing device.

What methods are used to estimate uncertainties in distance measurements?

Uncertainties in distance measurements can be estimated using several methods, including the precision of the measuring instrument (e.g., ruler, caliper, laser distance meter), the consistency of repeated measurements, and the method of measurement. The uncertainty can be calculated as the standard deviation of multiple measurements or based on the instrument's least count or resolution.

Why is it important to report uncertainties in physics experiments?

Reporting uncertainties is crucial because it provides a complete picture of the experimental results, indicating the confidence level and reliability of the measurements. It allows other researchers to understand the potential limitations and variability in the data, facilitating better comparisons, reproducibility, and validation of scientific findings.

How can uncertainties be minimized in physics experiments?

Uncertainties can be minimized by using high-precision instruments, performing multiple measurements and averaging the results, calibrating equipment properly, controlling environmental conditions, and employing rigorous experimental techniques. Additionally, understanding and accounting for all possible sources of error can help in reducing the overall uncertainty.

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