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Measurements and Errors

The document discusses measurement errors and calculations. It describes systematic and random errors, and how to calculate mean error and absolute error. It also explains error propagation when performing mathematical operations on measured quantities, and provides an example of calculating the uncertainty in an area measurement due to uncertainties in length and width. Understanding errors is essential for obtaining accurate and reliable experimental results.

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Beta Mathematica
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33 views11 pages

Measurements and Errors

The document discusses measurement errors and calculations. It describes systematic and random errors, and how to calculate mean error and absolute error. It also explains error propagation when performing mathematical operations on measured quantities, and provides an example of calculating the uncertainty in an area measurement due to uncertainties in length and width. Understanding errors is essential for obtaining accurate and reliable experimental results.

Uploaded by

Beta Mathematica
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Measurements and Error Calculations

David Nyirenda

Malawi University of Science and Technology

David Nyirenda (Malawi University of Science andMeasurements


Technology) and Error Calculations 1 / 11
Introduction

Measurements are fundamental in science and engineering for


quantifying physical quantities.
However, measurements are subject to errors due to various factors
such as instrumentation limitations, environmental conditions, and
human factors.
Understanding different types of errors and how to calculate them is
essential for obtaining accurate and reliable results.

David Nyirenda (Malawi University of Science andMeasurements


Technology) and Error Calculations 2 / 11
Types of Errors

Systematic Errors: These errors consistently affect measurements in


the same way and are usually caused by flaws in the measuring
instrument or experimental setup. Examples include zero errors in
instruments, calibration errors, and environmental conditions like
temperature and humidity.
Random Errors: Also known as indeterminate errors, these errors
vary unpredictably in magnitude and direction. They can be caused
by fluctuations in experimental conditions, human errors in reading
instruments, or inherent limitations of measurement devices.

David Nyirenda (Malawi University of Science andMeasurements


Technology) and Error Calculations 3 / 11
Error Calculations: Mean Error

The mean error (ē) represents the average deviation of measured


values from the true value.
n
1X
ē = (xi − xtrue )
n
i=1

Example: Let’s consider a series of measurements of a length L:


L1 = 2.1 cm, L2 = 2.2 cm, L3 = 2.0 cm. The true value is
Ltrue = 2.15 cm. The mean error is calculated as:
1
ē = [(2.1 − 2.15) + (2.2 − 2.15) + (2.0 − 2.15)]
3
1
ē = [−0.05 + 0.05 − 0.15] = −0.05 cm
3

David Nyirenda (Malawi University of Science andMeasurements


Technology) and Error Calculations 4 / 11
Error Calculations: Absolute Error

The absolute error (∆x) represents the magnitude of the difference


between a measured value and the true value.

∆x = |xmeasured − xtrue |

Example: Using the same measurements of length L as before, let’s


calculate the absolute errors:

∆L1 = |2.1 − 2.15| = 0.05 cm

∆L2 = |2.2 − 2.15| = 0.05 cm


∆L3 = |2.0 − 2.15| = 0.15 cm

David Nyirenda (Malawi University of Science andMeasurements


Technology) and Error Calculations 5 / 11
Error Propagation

Error propagation is the process of determining the uncertainty in the


result of a calculation based on the uncertainties in the measured
quantities.
When performing mathematical operations with measured quantities,
errors can propagate and affect the final result.
The rules for error propagation depend on the type of operation being
performed: addition/subtraction, multiplication/division, or raising to
a power.

David Nyirenda (Malawi University of Science andMeasurements


Technology) and Error Calculations 6 / 11
Error Propagation Example: Calculation of Area

Consider a rectangular area A calculated from the length L and width


W.
Given: L = 2.3 ± 0.1 cm and W = 1.8 ± 0.2 cm.
We want to calculate the area A = L × W .

David Nyirenda (Malawi University of Science andMeasurements


Technology) and Error Calculations 7 / 11
Error Propagation Example: Calculation of Area
(Continued)

Step 1: Determine the fractional uncertainties for L and W :


∆L 0.1
= ≈ 0.043
L 2.3
∆W 0.2
= ≈ 0.111
W 1.8
Step 2: Use error propagation rules for multiplication:

∆(L × W ) ∆L ∆W
= +
L×W L W

David Nyirenda (Malawi University of Science andMeasurements


Technology) and Error Calculations 8 / 11
Error Propagation Example: Calculation of Area
(Continued)

Step 3: Substitute the fractional uncertainties:

∆(L × W )
= 0.043 + 0.111 ≈ 0.154
L×W
Step 4: Calculate the absolute uncertainty in the area A:
∆A
= 0.154
A
∆A = (0.154) × (2.3 × 1.8)
∆A ≈ 0.64 cm2

David Nyirenda (Malawi University of Science andMeasurements


Technology) and Error Calculations 9 / 11
Error Propagation Example: Calculation of Area
(Conclusion)

So, the area A is approximately 4.14 ± 0.64 cm2 .


This means that the true area A lies within the range 3.50 cm2 to
4.78 cm2 with a confidence level of approximately 68%.

David Nyirenda (Malawi University of Science andMeasurements


Technology) and Error Calculations 10 / 11
Conclusion

Measurements are subject to various types of errors, including


systematic and random errors.
Understanding how to calculate mean errors, absolute errors, and
propagate errors through mathematical operations is crucial for
obtaining accurate and reliable results.
By quantifying and accounting for errors, we can ensure the validity
and credibility of our experimental findings and calculations.

David Nyirenda (Malawi University of Science andMeasurements


Technology) and Error Calculations 11 / 11

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