Other
PHYS204 Physics Lab 1 - Graphical Analysis
- Course
- PHYS204 (PHYS204)
- Institution
- Athabasca University (AU )
PHYS204 Physics I laboratory write-up that covered graphical analysis, error calculations and error measurements.
[Show more]
Seller
Follow
Content preview
PHYS204 – Physics for Scientists and Engineers ILab Manual V2.0
Experiment 1: Graphical Analysis
, Experiment 1: Graphical Analysis
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this lab is to investigate and understand possible sources of error when
measurements are recorded during experiments and to accurately represent these error
calculations in final results. Without this understanding, values obtained during experiments
would be meaningless. Accurately representing error calculations in reports is important because
even when taking careful measurements, there will always be some degree of error. No physical
quantity can ever be perfectly measured.
Measured Values and Uncertain Digits
When taking measurements, a measured value will first be obtained, and then the significant
digits of this value will need to be counted.
To figure out these significant digits, the “uncertain digits” need to be found in the values
recorded during the experiment. In numbers with no decimal, counting starts at the first non-
zero digit, and continues to the last non-zero digit. In numbers with a decimal, counting starts at
the first non-zero digit, but finishes at the digit after the decimal point, whether it is zero or not.
In both scenarios, these digits are called “significant figures”. Using scientific notation eliminates
confusion as to how many significant figures there are. See below:
Table 1.1 – Examples of Significant Figure Calculations
Measured Value Scientific Notation # of Significant Figures
9.7 9.7 2
9.0 9.0 2
9.70 9.70 3
970 9.7 x 102 2
970 ±𝟐 (9.70 ±𝟐) x 102 3
970.0 9.700 x 102 4
9.00770 9.00770 6
0.00970 9.70 x 10-3 3
970 x 10-8 9.70 x 10-6 3
Random and Systematic Uncertainties
There are 2 main types of uncertainties – random and systematic. Random uncertainties include
environmental factors beyond the control of the experiment, the limited capacity of the
instruments being used, and human observational errors, such as when/if there was a colour
change. Systematic errors include poor calibration of tools used for the experiment, tools that are
not working properly, or poor reading of the tools by the experimenter.
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller bronzeandromeda2016. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for CA$13.90. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
Can Stuvia be trusted?
4.6 stars on Google & Trustpilot (+1000 reviews)
78291 documents were sold in the last 30 days
Founded in 2010, the go-to place to buy study notes for 14 years now