02 Uncertainty and Error Analysis 02 - Page 1 of 3
Uncertainty and Error Analysis
Background
In every measurement you make, there is always
some uncertainty in your answer. For example,
when measuring the length of an object with a
ruler, you must estimate the last digit because the
reading falls in between the smallest divisions on
the scale. And if the object being measured is not
uniform, this introduces even more uncertainty.
You should always observe and record the
uncertainty in all measurements you make. For
example, you might record that the length of an Figure 1: Four Different Diameter Disks
object was 24.2 cm ± 0.3 cm. Note that your
measurement must also include units! You should always round your final answers to an
appropriate number of digits.
Equipment
Qty Item Part Number
1 Discover π Set ME-6806
Setup
In this lab you will learn to observe and record
the uncertainty in measuring the diameter and
circumference of four different sized disks (see
Fig. 1) using the supplied clear flexible ruled
tape. To measure circumference, slip the folded Circumference
end into the slot on the side of the disk (see Fig.
2) and wrap the tape once around the disk so
that it overlaps the zero-line marker. Measure Diameter
diameter (see Fig. 2) along the line marked on Figure 2: Measuring Diameter and Circumference
the face of the disk.
Written by Jon Hanks
02 Uncertainty and Error Analysis 02 - Page 2 of 3
Estimating Uncertainty
1. In PASCO Capstone, make a table and create a user-entered data set called “Circumference”
with units of (cm). Delete the second column. Then turn on the statistics with the mean and
standard deviation turned on.
2. Create a graph of Circumference vs. Index. Turn on the statistics with the mean and standard
deviation.
3. One way to estimate uncertainty is to repeat a measurement several times. Try this method
for measuring the circumference of the largest disk. The tape is marked to 0.1 cm, but you
can measure an additional digit by estimating between the tick marks. Re-wrap the tape and
repeat the measurement. Do you get a different answer depending on the tension you apply?
4. Record your two measurements into Table I. These measurements will be plotted on the
graph. Have each person in your group take separate measurements without looking at each
other's measurements. Record all the values for the circumference of the large disk in Table I.
5. The Standard Deviation is often used as a good estimate of the uncertainty. Record your final
value for the circumference in the form "Mean Value" ± "Standard Deviation". Do you need
to do any rounding? Never include more digits than makes sense. Don't forget the units!
6. Create another table (Table II) and create a user-entered set called “Disk” without units.
Enter the values Largest, Large, Medium, and Smallest. Create another user-entered data set
in the second column called “Circ.” with units of (cm). Record your value for the
circumference of the largest disk in the first row. Add another column and create a user-
entered data set called “Diameter” with units of (cm).
7. Use the same plastic ruler to measure the diameter of the largest disk. Align the zero-line
marker to the edge of the disk, and measure the diameter along the line marked on the face of
the disk.
8. What is the uncertainty in this measurement? You do not need to make the large variety of
measurements that you did on the previous page, but at least make a few to allow you to
estimate the uncertainty.
9. Record the diameter of the largest disk in Table II.
10. Measure and record the circumference and diameter of the other 3 disks.
Written by Jon Hanks
02 Uncertainty and Error Analysis 02 - Page 3 of 3
Analysis
Create a graph of circ. vs. diameter.
1. What is the relationship between the circumference and diameter of a circle? Select the
Linear Curve Fit from the graph tool pallet. What is the slope of the line? What is it supposed
to be?
2. Note the uncertainty in the value of the slope. This is based on the values you input, but
remember that there is an uncertainty in those measurements. Take the ± uncertainty value
you determined before for the circumference of the disk, and add this to the circumference of
the largest disk, and subtract it from the circumference of the smallest disk. By how much
does this change the slope? This change is a good estimation of the uncertainty in your value
for the slope.
3. Record your best value for the slope (including uncertainty).
Percent Error
Often in the lab you are measuring something that has a known or accepted value. To compare
your measured result with the accepted value, it is useful to calculate the error in that
measurement.
Measured −Accepted
%error= | Accepted |× 100
Compare your answer to the accepted value by calculating the % error.
Written by Jon Hanks
