- #1
chocopop
- 4
- 1
- Homework Statement
- Find the desired sum: (3±4%)+(4±0.01)
- Relevant Equations
- none
please help me
Understanding the Concept of Sum in Physics: A Beginner's Guide
In summary, the concept of sum in physics refers to the addition of quantities to calculate the total force, energy, or other physical quantities acting on an object. It is different from average in that sum is the total of all quantities, while average is the sum divided by the number of quantities. Understanding the concept of sum is important in accurately measuring and predicting the behavior of physical systems. It is applied in real-world situations such as calculating forces or energies, and has limitations in more complex systems.
- #2
etotheipi
Well, why not just use the formula for propagation of uncertainties, if ##z = a + b##, then$$\Delta z = \sqrt{(\Delta a)^2 + (\Delta b)^2}$$N.B. you need to convert the percentage uncertainty in the first measurement into an absolute uncertainty first.
- #3
BvU
Science Advisor
Homework Helper
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Check out https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/homework-help-guidelines-for-students-and-helpers.686781/ and post your attempt at solution.
The sum is 7 
, but what have you learned about handling uncertainties ?
, but what have you learned about handling uncertainties ?- #4
berkeman
Mentor
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OP has been banned for repeatedly posting homework with zero effort shown, even after multiple warnings. Have a nice day. Thread is locked.
FAQ: Understanding the Concept of Sum in Physics: A Beginner's Guide
What is the concept of sum in physics?
The concept of sum in physics refers to the mathematical operation of adding two or more quantities together to find their total value. In physics, this is often used to calculate the total force, energy, or momentum of a system.
How is sum different from average in physics?
In physics, sum and average are two different mathematical operations. While sum is the total value obtained by adding all the quantities together, average is the value obtained by dividing the sum by the number of quantities. Average is used to find the typical value of a set of data, while sum is used to find the total value of a system.
Why is understanding the concept of sum important in physics?
Understanding the concept of sum is important in physics because it allows us to calculate the total value of a system and analyze its behavior. It is also a fundamental concept in many areas of physics, such as mechanics, thermodynamics, and electromagnetism.
How is the concept of sum applied in real-life situations?
The concept of sum is applied in many real-life situations, such as calculating the total force exerted on an object, finding the total energy of a system, or determining the total momentum of a moving object. It is also used in everyday tasks, such as calculating the total cost of a shopping trip or determining the total distance traveled during a road trip.
What are some common mistakes when using the concept of sum in physics?
Some common mistakes when using the concept of sum in physics include forgetting to include all the relevant quantities, using the wrong mathematical operation (e.g. subtracting instead of adding), and not considering the direction of the quantities (e.g. adding vectors in the wrong direction). It is important to carefully identify and include all relevant quantities and use the correct mathematical operation to obtain an accurate sum in physics calculations.
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