Uncertainties

Question 1

What is the resolution of an instrument

Answer 1

The smallest change in the quantity being measured that gives a perceptible change in the reading

Question 2

What is an uncertainty on a value

Answer 2

The interval within which the true value can be expected to lie

Question 3

What is the uncertainty of a measurement and reading and given value?

Answer 3

Reading: (+/-) 0.5*the last significant digit

Measurement: (+/-) 1*the smallest division

Given Value: (+/-) 1*the last significant digit

Question 4

How do you find the percentage uncertainty on a single value?

Answer 4

percent. uncertainty = (uncertainty/value) * 100%

Question 5

What is the uncertainty on multiple measurements

Answer 5

the uncertainty of the whole measurement divided by the number of sheets, swings, etc.

Question 6

How to combine the uncertainties when adding or subtracting quantities

Answer 6

add the absolute uncertainty

Question 7

How to combine the uncertainties when multiplying or dividing quantities

Answer 7

add the percentage uncertainty

Question 8

How to combine uncertainties when raising a quantity to a power

Answer 8

multiply the percentage uncertainty by the power