Using error bars Flashcards
On what type of graphs should error bars be used?
Linear graphs
Where are error bars plotted?
On both the y and x axes, at the value of the uncertainty
What do we do for error bars if identical results are obtained?
The precision of the instrument could be used
What should we do if error bars are too small to plot?
State this
What type of graphs often have error bars that are too small to plot?
log graphs
What should we do if we have uncertainties on both the y and x axes?
Form an uncertainty box
What can we use uncertainty boxes for?
To draw 2 lines of worst fit (steepest and least steep that still remains within all of the boxes)
What can we use lines of worst fit for?
Work out the gradient for each one
Calculate the mean gradient of both
How do we calculate the uncertainty in a gradient?
1/2 the range
(Xmax - Xmin
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2)
